Corey J.

Horton

Corey Jemal Horton, 57, of Concord, NC, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Copperfield Health & Rehabilitation in Concord, NC.

Born March 1, 1969, in Lenoir, NC, Corey Jemal Horton was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend whose life was defined by love, service, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. He proudly called himself “Blessed to be Saadiq’s pop and Sharlene’s old man,” a reflection of the joy he found in caring for his wife Sharlene Horton and son Saadiq Horton.

He was the beloved son of Beverly Hawley and stepson of Patrick Hawley, and a loyal brother to Sabre Davis, Annissia May, and Sheryl Wellman-Bye. His commitment to his mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends never wavered. Known for his never ending willingness to help anyone, he showed up for people with a full heart and a steady hand.

He shared a special brotherhood with Darwin “Van” Mills, William Horton, and Anne Horton (more like an aunt than a cousin), along with countless others whose lives he touched—too many to name, but never forgotten.

A gifted, award winning sports journalist, Jemal made history as the first African American general sports columnist in both North Carolina and Indiana. His career included roles with The Washington Post, The Indianapolis Star, and The Charlotte Observer, and most recently as Sports Editor for the Independent Tribune in Concord, NC. His voice reached national audiences through appearances on ESPN, Fox Sports, NBA TV, and ESPN Radio, earning recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors and the North Carolina Press Association.

He departed this world after a courageous battle with numerous medical challenges, on September 26, 2026, —a true warrior to the very end—and is now free to rest in the eternal care of our Heavenly Father. He joins his grandparents, William and Gertrude Epps, who passed before him and now welcome him home.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The family extends our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.  Every call, visit, message, and act of kindness has been a source of strength and comfort.

We offer special thanks to:

• St. Paul AME Church and Pastor Keith Banner

• The Charlotte Church

• Pall Bearers – brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Flower Bearers – the dedicated Missionaries of St. Paul AME Church

• Spring ’91 Line of Alpha Phi AlphaFraternity, Inc.

• The Heart Sisters of Salt Lake City, Utah

• The Kings Prayer Group of Elevation Church

• Family Group from The Charlotte Church

• DAVITA Harrisburg Dialysis Staff

• All the medical staff who cared for Jemal, especially Dr. Kalton Pettis

• Cherished friends Yvette Taylor and Rhonda Bennett

May God bless each of you for the kindness you have shown.