For the second time in less than three months, the Laurel community came out to Laurel High School to pay respects, honor and say goodbye to one of their own together.
This time it was for high school student and basketball player Corey Mumford, who was laid to rest Sunday.
The 18-year-old had been shot on Friday, April 14, while walking with friends. According to Delaware State Police, Mumford was not the intended target.
The repercussions of this act of indiscretion reverberated throughout the funeral service at Laurel High School.
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Mourners entered the building quiet and somber. Directed into the auditorium, they were ushered around to the front near the stage where the high school senior lay in an open casket.
The sight of seeing the young man, who had once been energetic, vibrant and hopeful about his future, lying so still caused many to cry tears or yell out in heartbreak and sorrow.
But those in anguish, as well as Mumford’s family, found so many others ready to offer words of encouragement, an embrace or a shoulder to lean on during their time of grief.
‘Corey knew the Lord’
Officiated by Elder Linda McKenzie, the funeral service was executed as a demonstration of faith.
Speaker after speaker described Mumford as a child raised as a Christian who was devoted to his faith. They said this faith was one that was strong enough to console a family in pain. And attendees were asked to stand up and praise God in show of support for Mumford’s family.
The auditorium erupted in tribute, handclaps, music and spirit.
The praise-filled service continued with recognition of the church community that came together to support the family, as well as personal reflections on Mumford’s involvement with his church. Spiritual leaders said Mumford’s favorite song of worship was “God Made Me Who I Am.”
His pastor, Apostle Keith Wongus said Mumford first started singing the song when he was 9 or 10 years old. He sang it repeatedly and often because he felt like the lyrics described him.
A portion of the lyrics say: “God made me. He made me who I am … I’m a conquer, I’m victorious, I won’t be stopped, I won’t be stopped, I’m a believer, I’m an achiever, I won’t be blocked.”
The song was sung several times during the service.
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The gun violence has to stop
Mumford also was passionate about playing basketball. His goal was to play professionally or coach a collegiate team, but he also planned to attend college and study sports medicine. He was going to be invited to play for Dundalk Community College, according to the school’s basketball coaches.
The coaches attended the service and presented the family with a jersey. They said the jersey was not just a show of their condolences, but it also was a call for action to stop gun violence, and announced that their basketball tournament in Ocean City this June will be dedicated to Mumford.
They and others said the gun violence has to stop.
As a measure of reconciliation, Minister Karen Horsey delivered a message to young and old about coming together to solve the gun violence issue. Her advice to young people in attendance was to love each other. Her request to older people at the service was a plea for understanding and patience. She said that if they intend on providing support and guidance, they first must listen to young people.
Together, people of all generations clapped and called out in support of each other.
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Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com with tips and story ideas. Become a subscriber to access more stories and the best in local reporting.
