Cora Lee English

Born on December 5, 1922, Cora Lee English affectionately known as (Mrs. Cora) transitioned to her heavenly home on September,17,2019. Mrs. Cora spent the last two and one-half years of her life at Amara Place, an assisted living facility in Columbia, S.C.  She made her last friends there, and bonded with the staff and caregivers, who marveled at her independence and mental sharpness.  She was born the second oldest of two children to the late Mary Jane Hutchinson Watson. She and her brother, Willie were raised by their maternal grandparents, Jessie and Martha Hutchinson, and spent their formative years in Ridgeway, S.C. Later she met and married Henry Lee English in Columbia, S.C.  They were blessed with two children, Deloris and Henry. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. From early adulthood she was a committed member of Second Nazareth Baptist Church. She served as a Past President of the Willing Workers Club and was active in numerous other church activities. 

Upon graduating from high school, she joined her Mother in Columbia S.C. where she completed Trade School in Cosmetology at the Historical Poro Beauty School, established in 1939.  She continued to complete numerous certificate and College Credit courses for hair care. She would be considered a Master Cosmetologists and Entrepreneur. At one time during her stellar career she was the owner of two Beauty Shop enterprises, Cora Lee Beauty Salon on Read Street and the other Cora Lee Greenview Beauty Salon on Broadland Avenue.    She excelled as a business leader in the Black Community. She is credited with training and sponsoring numerous hairstylists who would go on to launch their own successful independent businesses. Retiring at the age of 88, she therefore ushered in several generations of African American Business leaders who continue to serve the city of Columbia and surrounding communities. 

It is hard to describe (Mrs. Cora) with words. She was sassy, classy, witty, and very elegant. She was a very hard working, no nonsense kind of person. There is a saying, “Rise beyond what is expected, to do what is exceptional.”  Those who knew her could affirm that she was exceptional in every aspect of her life. She was a loving and dutiful wife. As Mother she was exceptional in the spiritual and educational development of her

children. As Grandmother she was the caretaker, and mentor that gave unconditional love, kindness, patience, and comfort to her grandchildren.  As a community activist, she was exceptional in working with the Columbia Chapter of the S.C. State Cosmetology Association to provide hair care services without charge to elderly nursing home patients, and clothing to sheltered homeless women and children.   She also spearheaded annual fundraisers for gifts and provisions for underprivileged children during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  With a gentle smile, she taught many life lessons, and freely gave exceptional direction and guidance to those who could benefit from her wisdom and insightfulness.

Mrs. Cora is preceded in death by her loving husband Henry Lee English; her brother, Willie (Mabel) Hutchinson; mother, Mary Jane Watson; grandparents, Jessie and Martha Hutchinson; and niece Dorothy Jeanette Bullock.  She leaves behind a loving family and a host of friends to cherish her legacy and precious memories. Her two devoted and loving children Deloris E. Smith of Columbia, S.C. and Henry Lee English Jr. and beloved daughter in-law Gloria of Augusta. GA; her two treasured granddaughters, Syrana Smith of Columbia, S.C. and Kenisha (Lawrence) Coleman of Atlanta, GA; her five-special great-grandchildren, Jana Ashwyn Sikes, Niall Alexander Smith, Madison-Rhea Jones, Kyndal Zoe Ervin and Lawrence Coleman III; and her five extra special great-great grandchildren, Ashton Zyier Sikes, Rosaria Lee Williams, Faith Alexandria Wilson, D’Sani Alexandria Smith, and Keyair Alexander Smith.

 She also leaves her brother’s children, nephew, John (Debbie) Hutchinson, and nieces, Cora Hutchinson, and Pamela (Frank) Williams; and special friends, Reverend & Mrs. Clarence B and Martha V. Booker, and Rhonda Wright Owen.

Mrs. Cora lived a blessed life of 96 years and 9 months.  To the very end she was independent in her thinking and determined in her actions.  She left us at 8:30 am. Indeed, she went to enjoy the radiant light we all must meet.  The Master said, “Come unto to me, all you that labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest -spiritual strength.” Mathew 11:28-29 (KJV). He did not mean come unto me the habitually lazy, slothful, and all who are dreamers and not doers of his word.  But he said for those who labor to take their rest. Mrs. Cora, the Willing Worker is now at rest.  WE WILL MISS YOU.

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