Corey Christopher Beckford

He was the second son of George and Claire Beckford (nee Terrelonge). Corey was, from the beginning, a take-charge person and a doer. He was scheduled to be born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, but being ready for a quick start, Corey had to be transported to Kings County Hospital with sirens blaring. Corey was a miracle child. He had a condition which was never fully explained. He remained in the hospital for ten days. On the 8th day, authorization papers were signed for a full exchange transfusion to be done experimentally. Corey’s blood cells were attacking one another and no cause could be determined. Claire departed from the hospital crying and praying her entire way home. The hospital called early the next morning to say that Corey’s condition actually corrected itself and he would not need the transfusion, after all. He came home on Halloween day.

Corey grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens and Middletown, New York.

He was a typical middle child who was very close to his mom and was sometimes referred to as a “Mama’s Boy”. He was in control at an early age and even felt in charge of his older brother and cousins. He would give a full detailed report on all the misdeeds of his cousins and brothers as soon as his mom returned home. However, over the course of years, that would all change. During his middle school years, Corey became known for his antics and jokes and eventually became a leader or the go-to guy around the block. Whenever he was unfortunate enough to be on punishment, there would always be a deputation at the front door pleading for their leader.

After graduating from Middletown High School, Corey attended Delhi Technical College and completed an A.S. Degree in Computer Science. During this time, he met Professor Neil Slough who mentored him for many years. With Neil’s encouragement, he applied and was accepted to Clarkston University in Potsdam, NY where he earned a B.A. degree in Computer Science. During college, he became a member of the Delta Epsilon Fraternity. Some of his best friends are a part of the fraternity and they remain friends today.

Corey relocated to Atlanta and worked for IBM. He was a member of the IT team that was responsible for setting up the network infrastructure for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. After moving on from IBM, he went on to work as a network engineer at MCI. From there, he went on to work for Norfolk Southern and for a short period at AirTran as a system administrator. He then began a start-up of his own IT firm called E2B, Inc. During that time, he worked as a consultant for the State of Georgia.

Corey’s greatest achievement is the number of lives he touched and the friendships he forged.

Corey went home join his ancestors and be with the Lord on April 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, George Beckford. He is survived by his mother Claire Terrelonge, brothers Gregory and Robert Beckford, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives, as well as close friends who have now become part of his family.

A visitation of family and friends will be held for Corey on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Beckford family.