Christopher Coburn

On a cold, wintry Friday morning—February 19, 1965, at 2:00 a.m.—at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, a bright light entered this world. Christopher James Coburn was lovingly welcomed by his devoted parents, Bettye and Willie Coburn, as their seventh child. He joined five older brothers and one sister, bringing immense joy to the Coburn household—though the family wasn’t quite finished growing. Soon after Chris’s birth, the family relocated to Rochester, New York, where their youngest son was born, completing the Coburn clan: Mom, Dad, seven sons, and one daughter.

Chris spent the majority of his childhood and formative years in Rochester, but his heart and spirit were deeply rooted in Clarkedale, Arkansas, where he spent part of his school years with his beloved maternal grandmother, Mrs. Carnomas Manning. Under her guidance, he was introduced to the power and love of God. It was there that Chris was baptized and became a member of Union Paradise Missionary Baptist Church—a decision that marked the beginning of his lifelong walk with faith.

During his junior high years, the family moved to the suburbs of Rochester, and Chris later graduated from Webster-Schroeder High School in 1983. Not long after, he embraced his independence and ventured out on his own to Prattsburgh, New York—a small rural town surrounded by fields, fishing spots, and peace. The country life had always called to him, a love nurtured during his childhood visits to Clarkedale.

Chris began working at the Prattsburgh Creamery, the local milk plant, where he quickly became known as a hard worker with a sharp mind and steady hands. His dedication earned him several awards during his time there. Beyond the work, Chris found a rhythm of life that brought him joy—sports, especially fishing, were passions that grounded him, and in this quiet town, he thrived.

Chris was also an avid animal lover. Over the years, he was a proud dog dad to four beloved companions: Putah, Sam, Tyson, and Taylor. They were his constant friends and brought him endless comfort and joy.

It was during his time in Prattsburgh that Chris met Eva Mae Bishop, who lived in the nearby town of Bath, New York. After they were married, Chris relocated from Prattsburgh to Bath, and it was there that they began raising their family—building a life rooted in love, partnership, and peaceful country days.

A Turning Point

On December 9, 1994, life as Chris knew it changed forever.

Around 3:00 p.m. that Friday afternoon, Chris stepped outside his home and got into a coworker’s car, heading to work. Snow and ice blanketed the ground and roadways—a typical winter day in that region. But not far from home, tragedy struck. Chris and his coworker were involved in a devastating multi-car accident. The impact was severe. Chris was thrown from the vehicle, and the force of the crash shattered his spine in three places.

He was rushed to the nearest emergency room and, upon arrival, was pronounced dead.

But God said NO.

A watchful doctor noticed subtle signs of life. Chris was immediately airlifted to the closest Trauma Center. There, he was placed on life support as doctors delivered grim news to the family: he had less than twenty-four hours to live.

But once again, God said NO.

His children and other family from the region arrived right away. His sister Marilynn, however, had to fly from Memphis, Tennessee. She arrived the next day, uncertain what to expect—but Chris was still here. Still fighting. Though he couldn’t speak, his eyes opened when he heard her. Tears ran down his face—and hers.

Marilynn leaned in close and pleaded, “Fight for your life. Please don’t give up.”

Chris batted his eyes in agreement.

She promised him, “If you don’t give up, I’ll be with you every step of the way. You won’t go through this alone.”

And she never left his side.

Chris eventually came off the ventilator. On March 20, 1995—Marilynn’s birthday—he was transferred to a rehabilitation center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he remained for three months in intensive therapy. When he was finally released, he returned briefly to New York, staying with his mother. But not long after, he made a life-changing move—relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, to be closer to his sister, his anchor.

There, Christopher purchased a home of his own. Though his accident had left him quadriplegic, unable to move anything below his neck, he lived with boldness, independence, and joy.

Eventually, Marilynn moved in with him, caring for him around the clock, every day, until the end of his life. Their bond only deepened. They were inseparable.

A Life Still Lived

Christopher became a well-known and beloved figure in his neighborhood. Children adored him. Elders respected him. He moved freely in his power wheelchair, steering with breath and brilliance. He shopped. He went to the movies. He rolled downtown. He lived fully.

He even worked as a Customer Service Representative at The Memphis Commercial Appeal, the city’s major newspaper—a role he handled with excellence.

Chris also joined Middle Baptist Church on Whitehaven Lane, where he continued to grow spiritually, surrounded by a new community of faith.

He maintained strong ties to New York, returning to visit old friends and family whenever possible. Those visits were full of laughter, love, and remembrance—moments he cherished deeply with his children and other family members.

A Legacy of Love and Strength

Christopher’s father, Mr. Willie James Coburn,

two brothers, Reginald Manning and Paul Coburn,

his maternal grandparents, Pete and Carnomas Manning,

his paternal grandparents, Bill Coburn and Ida Coburn-Dodd,

two granddaughters, Chastity and Violet Bishop,

and his four fur babies, Putah, Sam, Tyson, and Taylor,

all preceded him in death.

Chris leaves to mourn his passing:

One son, Nathaniel Bishop of Wysox, Pennsylvania

Two daughters, Eva Mustico (David) of Waverly, New York, and Chaundra VanSkyver of Bath, New York

His mother, Mrs. Bettye Coburn of Memphis, Tennessee

Four brothers: Ivan Coburn and Andrew Coburn of Rochester, New York, Robert Coburn (Janie) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Allen Coburn (Tamara) of Meadville, Pennsylvania

One sister, Marilynn Coburn-Handy (Garrison) of Memphis, Tennessee

Six grandchildren

Two of his many devoted friends: Mrs. Rita Smith and Mr. Tyrone Jackson

And a host of extended family, neighbors, and dear friends, whose lives were deeply and positively impacted by his presence

Final Reflections

To his children, he was a father who loved deeply.

To his grandchildren, he was a source of light, love, and gentle strength.

To his sister Marilynn, he was a soul-bound brother and best friend.

To his mother Bettye, he was the son who defied death and gave back life.

To his community, he was a neighbor, a mentor, and a testimony of God’s sustaining grace.

Well done, Chris.

You ran your race. You kept the faith.

And now, your rest is earned.

Your legacy is safe.

And your love lives on.