Corinne Gilkerson
September 25, 1919 - April 3, 2010
Obituary
Corinne Gilkerson
Corinne Collins Gilkerson, born on September 25, 1919 in Seattle, Washington, passed away on April 3, 2010. The daughter of Robert R. Collins and Henrietta Beeks Collins, Corinne graduated from Ballard High School and studied at the University of Washington.
Corinne married Raymond C. Gilkerson, an officer in the US Navy, while on leave on December 24, 1944 during World War II. They had two daughters, Diane and Cheryl. While living in Magnolia, Corinne entered the retail field at Kathleen’s gift shop and eventually bought and managed the store. A few years later she also purchased and managed the Small Fry children’s store next door. She became active in the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce.
After several decades, Corinne sold the stores and began tutoring grade school children at Whittier elementary school. She recruited other volunteers and eventually supervised the program.
Corinne was married to Ray for more than 65 years, until his recent passing. She is survived by her daughters Diane Curtis Lofgren and Cheryl Michael Warder along with three grandchildren: Maureen, Amy, and Michael, Jr., as well as two nieces and a nephew. A memorial service was held for family and friends at Cristwood Park in Shoreline. Remembrances may be given to First Free Methodist Church of Seattle, or a charity of choice.
Diane and Family – My brother Greg, in San Diegoinformed me of your parents’ passing today – your Dad and my father both worked at Nat’l Bank of Commerce. I lost my father several yrs ago and my mother has dementia ….and so I know the heartache of losing such wonderful parents. I send my condolences and sadness for the loss of our great families. Susan Gardner Lucier
In looking for family members of Raymond GIlkerson, I noticed that him and his wife just recently passed. I send my sincere apologies for your double loss! I also have a question that either of you daughters might be able to answer, would you be so kind as to give me a call, I work at Runge Motuary in Davenport, IA. I can be reached at 1-800-457-8643, this is in reference to your father’s cousin, Eleanor Ahlers. Thank You! Sheila Benson, Fueral Director
I never knew Corinne but she was my father’s childhood sweetheart. His name was Robert Pheasant and I have a marvelous picture of them both about age five. I wrote the book “Early Ballard”, and it’s the very first picture in the book.
My deepest condolences.