Services Held for Asheville-Buncombe Centurion

Ms. Johnnie “Mae” McCorkle, believed to be the oldest living resident of Buncombe, and the local African-American community peacefully departed this life on Monday, January 7, 2013 at the age of 108.

Miss Mae, as she was called, was 108 years old. She will be missed by her family, friends and community.

Ms. McCorkle was born August 7, 1904 in the Green Hill Township of Rutherford County, and come to Asheville at age 18. Having established herself in Asheville, she worked as Cornelia Vanderbilt’s assistant on the Biltmore Estate. Ms. McCorkle was also a self-employed beautician for six decades as the owner of Mae McCorkle’s Beauty Shop in the Southside community.

Ms. Mae attributed her longevity being active in her community, civic organizations, and her home church of Mt. Zion. “My faith in life, and my community is unshakable,” said Ms. McCorkle during a 2008 interview with Urban News.

She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews, devoted care givers and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver McCorkle and daughter, Flora Mae Hairston Daniels.

Services were held Friday, January 11, 2013 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member. Dr. John H. Grant officiated the service.

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