Who She Was: Remembering Corina Mae
Discover the remarkable woman whose strength, resilience, and unwavering love inspired the creation of our foundation.
A legacy of strength, courage, and unconditional love
Corina Mae Thompson (Soares) was a woman defined by strength, dignity, and an unwavering love for her family. She spent much of her life in a wheelchair yet faced every challenge with grace and determination. Her disability never dimmed her spirit — it revealed her courage. She was the kind of person who made others feel safe, understood, and valued simply by being herself.
A devoted mother and loving sister
Corina was not only a devoted mother — she was also a loving sister. She cared deeply for her siblings and cherished the bond they shared. Her role in the family was one of connection, support, and warmth, and she carried that love with her throughout her life.
A miracle mother
Corina’s greatest dream was to become a mother — a dream many thought impossible. She endured three heartbreaking pregnancy losses before discovering she was pregnant with her son, Noah. From that moment on, she fought with everything she had to bring him into the world. Her strength and love became the foundation of the legacy that continues through The Corina Mae Foundation.
“Corina’s life reminds us that disability is not a limitation — it is a lived experience that deserves respect, understanding, and support.”
- The Corina Mae Foundation
💜 Her Story: Her Legacy Lives On
Corina Mae Thompson was born on February 21, 1970, in Phoenix, Arizona, to David Bailey and Denise Bolen. From the very beginning, her life was shaped by love, resilience, and a spirit that touched everyone around her. She carried a quiet strength, a gentle humor, and a deep compassion that made her unforgettable to all who knew her.
Corina was the heart of this foundation. Her experiences, her struggles, and her victories are woven into every part of our mission. She lived with disability, yet she refused to let it define her. Instead, she defined herself by kindness, courage, and her unwavering belief that every person deserves dignity, understanding, and a place in the world. She taught those around her to see beyond limitations and to recognize the humanity, strength, and beauty in every individual.
She was a devoted sister to Alanna, Sonyia, Rebecca, and Joseph, and she cherished her nieces and nephews - Krysta, Kaylee, Bella, Charley, Stephanie, Andrew, and Noelle - as if they were her own children. Their laughter, their milestones, and their presence brought her joy and purpose. To Corina, family was not defined by boundaries but by love, connection, and the bonds that shape us.
Corina was also a loving mother. She is survived by her son, Noah Roberts, who carries forward her legacy through The Corina Mae Foundation. Her love for him was immeasurable, and her strength continues to guide him as he honors her memory through advocacy, compassion, and community service.
To know Corina was to know warmth. She loved deeply, laughed often, and found joy in small moments. She was a daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She flies high in the gardens of Heaven with her father, her mother, and her sister Rebecca - reunited in peace, surrounded by the love that shaped her life.
The Corina Mae Foundation exists because of her - because of the life she lived, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave. Her story is not just our beginning; it is our guiding light. As we grow, serve, and advocate across Alabama, we carry her spirit with us in everything we do.