Annie Ruth (Teal Gaylord) Corley

Annie Ruth Corley, daughter of the late William Alec Gaylord and Janie Pecola Gaylord, was born on May 8, 1925, in Plymouth, North Carolina. “Teal,” as she was affectionately known, peacefully departed this life on January 23, 2026.

Teal was the youngest of four children. She attended and completed school in Sparrows Point.

At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and became a member of Union Baptist Church in Sparrows Point under the leadership of the Reverend Carlton Cooke.

Teal often described herself as a tomboy who loved spending time with her older brother, King. As she grew older, King became determined to find her a good man, especially since she would report his activities back to their parents. He introduced her to one of his baseball teammates, James B. Corley (J.B.), and the rest is history. After 71 years of marriage, J.B. married Teal not once, but twice, first on October 9, 1942, in Baltimore County, and again the following day, October 10, in Baltimore City, due to a marriage license error. During Teal and J.B.’s 50th wedding anniversary, they celebrated with family and friends as they renewed their vows.

Teal worked at Bethlehem Steel’s Main Office in the Department of Servomation until her retirement. While living in Sparrows Point, she was a member of the Neighbors and Helpers Club and the Brown Buddies Club. These organizations served the community by sponsoring trips and activities for both young and old. After some time in Sparrows Point, Teal and J.B. moved to J.B.’s hometown of West Columbia, South Carolina. After several years, they returned to Sparrows Point. Wanting more space for their growing family, they later relocated to Ellwood Avenue in Baltimore City. While living on Ellwood Avenue, Teal joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Preston Street under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Isaac Williams. She continued her faithful membership under Pastor Clifford Johnson when he became pastor. When the church relocated to Radecke Avenue, she remained a loyal and devoted member.

Teal was a devoted and cherished lifelong resident of East Baltimore. She served her community as an activist, neighborhood organizer, block captain and PTA president. To many neighborhood children, she was not just Annie, she was Mom and Grandmother.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, J.B., Teal moved to Woodbine, Maryland to live with her daughter Freda and began fellowshipping at Greater St. John Ministries under the leadership of Reverend Robert Dupree. After several years, she relocated to Randallstown, Maryland, to live with her youngest daughter, Pat where she spent her remaining years. Teal loved attending church, reading her Bible and praising the Lord. She continued her Christian journey at Rehoboth Church of Deliverance in Brooklyn under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Carrington Morgan Jr. There she could often be seen waving her hands and praising God. She deeply loved good singing and the preaching of God’s Word. She also enjoyed coloring books, word-search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and dancing, or as Teal would say, “Getting down”. She would sometimes complete several puzzles in a single day. During her final year, Teal resided at In Good Hands Assisted Living, where the staff made her final days comfortable, memorable, and joyful.

Teal was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, LaVerne Corley Johnson; her loving husband, James B. Corley Jr.; one granddaughter, Thomasina Saretta Corley; three siblings, brothers James Arthur Gaylord Sr., King Solomon Gaylord and Welther Gaylord, who passed away during childhood. God also saw fit for her only son, James William Corley Sr., to accompany her the following morning as they began their journey to a great family reunion in heaven. 

Teal leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Freda L. Stevens and Patricia A. Corley; ten grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Special recognition is given to grandchildren Adrienne Corley, Michael Stevens, Janelle Young, and Tavon Corley and to great-grandchild Te’Shara Jackson, for making Teal’s latter years her very best. She also leaves one sister-in-law, Lily Mae Gibson; one brother-in-law, Charles Corley; and a host of loving relatives, neighbors, and friends.