Modene Mccorkle Howie

Modene McCorkle Howie, 90, of Mineral Springs, passed away on August 20, 2020. She was born April 17, 1930 in Union County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Henry Heath McCorkle and Isabel Gordon McCorkle Martin. Modene committed her life to serving others. Beginning at the age of three she was playing the piano. She played on WBT Radio when she was six. When she started to school she played there. She also played for the church as a child. She was also talented on the accordion. In 1959 she organized the Mineral Springs Youth Choir. She continued to organize many more children/youth choirs until 2010. Much of the music, both spiritual and secular, was written by Modene. For seventeen years, she was responsible for producing a program known as “Sing-A-Rama”, which was performed by all ages, young and old. She gave every individual an opportunity to display their talent. The rich legacy of this choir ministry lives on in the lives of many today. Modene had three children, which she and her husband Bill, nurtured and taught the importance of educational, moral and spiritual values. Bill and Modene followed them in all their activities including band, football, track, weight lifting and much more. The Sharing Station was originated and nurtured into existence many years ago by Modene and is known today as Operation Reachout. Until just recently, she worked there full-time as a co-leader and volunteer. This facility serves those in the Monroe area who need a helping hand. After retiring from the city of Monroe, she became a Real Estate Broker. Modene worked with people who could barely afford to buy a house. She would also assist them with financial counseling Modene organized a youth camp in the 70’s, which is now known as Camp Quest. This camp nurtures many young people in their Christian walk. Modene was a member of the Mineral Springs Methodist Church all her life. She was a member of the choir at an early age and as an adult, she was the director and pianist for the adult choir. She also played the piano and organ for the church services. Modene was the pianist for the local Pleasant Grove Campmeeting for many years. Modene has been recognized many times for her service to others. She was awarded Citizen of The Year by the Monroe Civitan Club in 1969, 1984, and 1995. Chamber Of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1997. Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club in 1980. Certificate of Appreciation from the State of North Carolina Department of Human Resources in 1991. Order of The Long Leaf Pine (which is the highest civilian honor awarded in North Carolina) in 2004. The Nine Who Care in 1982, an award presented by the governor of North Carolina. Woman of the Year in 2007. These were all in recognition of her selfless giving of her time and talents to others. But none of them equal the reward of the words “Well done my good and faithful servant” which she has now heard. In her high school Salutatory speech titled “Service to Mankind” , Modene said, “The kings of the future will be those who do the world’s work and serve others.” Modene certainly lived these words the rest of her life Modene is survived by her husband of seventy-two years, Bill Howie. Her three children Eddy, Johnny and Susan. Two daughters-in-law, Felicia and Diane Howie. A grandson, Daniel Howie and his wife, Naomi and a grandson, Matthew Howie. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Howie Family. Open link below to view memorial videos. He Sent A Rainbow -- original song written and played by Modene Howie; sung by Eddie Howie https://youtu.be/AxPhjvCQd50 Modene https://youtu.be/kcyDRdYASxg