Eloise Corpening, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted lifelong member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, at UNC Health Blue Ridge. Born Eloise Kanipe on December 13, 1938, in Burke County, North Carolina, she lived a life marked by dedication, service, and deep faith.

Eloise’s early years were spent in Burke County, where she was educated within the Burke County School System. Her steadfast commitment to her work led her to a long and valued career at the Carolina Shoe Plant, where she contributed many years of dedicated service.

A lifelong member of Willow Tree A.M.E. Church, Eloise's spiritual devotion was expressed through numerous roles of leadership and service within her church community. She diligently served as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, Area YPD Director, Stewardess Board #2 member, participant in the Prayer Band, and as a member of the Young Adult Choir. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, inspiring those around her.

In addition to her church commitments, Eloise was an active member of the Lake James Fire Department Auxiliary, exemplifying her ongoing dedication to community support and engagement.

Eloise was preceded in death by her loving parents, Dan and Belle Conley Kanipe; her brothers, James and Ralph Kanipe; and her sisters, Annie Mae Kanipe Avery, Mary Lee Kanipe Collette, Lessie Kanipe Rutherford, Margiorie Kanipe Corpening, Grace Kanipe Michaux, Jana Kanipe Caldwell, Alice Kanipe Jackson, and Gladys Lovina Kanipe. She was also predeceased by her nephew Ralph Edward Collette and her granddaughter Micheala Brooks.

She leaves behind her cherished husband, Mr. James Corpening, with whom she shared a life rich in love and companionship. Eloise is survived by her son, Stephen Corpening of Morganton, and her daughter, Benicia Brooks and her husband Paul, of Durham. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Chance, Jesse, and Harold (Crystal), as well as her great-grandchildren Dejean, Jayla, Kamiya, and Kyrie, who were a source of immense joy and pride, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Eloise’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and heartfelt service. Her memory will be honored by all who knew her, and her contributions to her family, church, and community will be cherished for generations to come.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Eloise Kanipe Corpening will take place Wednesday May 13, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, with Rev. Anthony Radcliff serving as the eulogist; interment will follow in the Willow Tree A.M.E. Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service.

At the family's request, there will NOT BE A PUBLIC VIEWING.