Dora "Mama Dora" Ludlam Corbett, 84, of Burgaw and formerly of Atkinson passed from her earthly life to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at her home.

Dora was born November 9, 1926 in Horry County, SC to James Nelson and Emily Blanton Ludlam. After completing Campbell College she married Norris Clifton "Ben" Corbett (died in 1989) and from this blessed union came three children, Daphne, Emily and Clyde. Dora was a very busy lady who played an active role in community activities, and was so very involved with her children's lives. She was a supportive farmer's wife, who was known throughout the county for her famous fried chicken and delicious fried shrimp. At the age of 50 years Dora found her career niche in life as the News Editor for the Pender Post. This career spanned over 34 years and Dora became well known as an advocate and icon of Pender County. In 2005 Dora received the North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Award. Spending untold number of hours tutoring and mentoring in the Pender County Schools, Dora impacted many young lives improving student's self-esteem as well as their reading and writing skills. For many years she was a very active member of Atkinson Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for 50 plus years. After moving to Burgaw five years ago, Dora joined Burgaw Baptist Church and enjoyed being a member of the Estelle Taylor Sunday School Class and the WMU Afternoon Circle. She anxiously awaited participating in senior adult outings. Another shining blessing in Dora's life was her four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Dora leaves a legacy of abiding faith, love, laughter and forgiveness beyond measure. She gave some of us life; she gave all of us her beautiful spirit, her loving kindness and her abiding curiosity about the larger world. Dora was a gift to this world and was loved by so many.

Surviving are her daughters, Daphne C. McBride (Rev. James McBride) of Dover, DE and Emily C. Simpson (Fredrick IV) of Atkinson; son, Nelson Clyde Corbett of Durham; grandchildren; James "Jimmy" McBride, Jr. (Patricia), Tonya McBride Robles (Michael), James Fredrick "Freddy" Simpson V (Jennifer) and Jeremy Scott Simpson; great grandchildren, Hannah and Ben McBride, Sam Robles, Emma and Davis Simpson; sisters, Earlake Baker and Helen Yengel and many extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Nathan Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Atkinson Cemetery. Casket bearers will be James McBride, Jr., James Fredrick Simpson V, Jeremy Simpson, Michael Paul Robles, Richard Rhyne and Bruce Williams, FNP. Honorary bearers will be District Attorney Ben David and Detective Scott Lawson.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Memorial gifts may be given to Atkinson Cemetery, C/O Sara Jane Lanier, 6060 Point Caswell Rd., Atkinson, NC 28421 or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., NC 28401.

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