Mother Vanester Corbin Colson of 711 South 14th Street, Cordele, Georgia, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Cordele Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your mask.

Mother Vanester Corbin Colson was born on November 18, 1933, in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia, to the late Andrew Corbin, Sr. and Pearl Adkins Corbin. She received her formal education at the historic Northside School, establishing a foundation of community and connection that she would carry throughout her life.

A woman of profound faith, Mother Colson was a lifelong and faithful member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church in  Cordele, Georgia. Over the years, she served her church home in many capacities with unwavering dedication. In recognition of her deep spiritual wisdom, grace, and devotion, she was given the   honor of being named the Mother of the Church.

Outside of her sacred duties, "Van" as she was loving called by family and friends, found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved talking on the phone with family and friends, shopping, and preparing delicious meals—her cooking being a true expression of her love for her family.

She shared a beautiful life of love and devotion with her husband, Deacon Willie B. Colson, Jr., walking hand-in-hand in faith until his peaceful passing on January 7, 2024.

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Mother Colson answered the call of her Heavenly Father and transitioned from labor to reward, leaving   behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will never be forgotten.

Mother Colson is reunited in eternity with her beloved "Junior"; her parents, Andrew Corbin, Sr. and Pearl Adkins Corbin; her grandchildren: Avenia "Abby" Stubbins and Sebastian "Pete" Corbin, and her siblings: Earnestine Corbin, Sarah Corbin, Ida Pearl Corbin, and Andrew Corbin, Jr.

Her life, love, and legacy will be forever remembered and celebrated by her devoted son, Reverend Ivory Joe (Dorothy) Corbin of Cordele, Georgia; her grandchildren: Yolanda Corbin of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jarrett (Dayzha) Harper of Yucca Valley, California; seven great-grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren; her sisters-in-law: Brenda (Greg) Fedrick and Ruby Colson; her devoted nieces: Justine Stembridge, Mary Stembridge, Lillian Stembridge, and Denise Stembridge; her devoted nephew: Edward (Audrey) Butler; her devoted cousins, Linda White, Diane White, Margie Hamm, and Bobbie James; her special friends, Michael & Mary Starks, and Teresa Doster; a host of  loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and the St. James Missionary Baptist Church family.