Wilma Cornell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Wilma Mae Cornell, age 90, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, formerly of Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Baptist Health, Hardin in Elizabethtown.

Wilma was born December 24, 1931 in Saginaw, Missouri, daughter of the late William N. Corbin and Flossie Mabel (Compton) Corbin.

She grew up in the Saginaw area and graduated from Neosho High School. 

She married Wilson Olen Cornell on May 28, 1949 in Joplin. She worked for years as bookkeeper for several companies including Sagamont Resort, Ross Fur and Hide Company, and Bennett Trucking. She was also a loyal member of the Royal Heights United Methodist Church for many years. She and Wilson lived at 2118 N. St. Charles in Joplin for over 60 years. 

She was devoted to her husband, and spent most of her time taking care of her two children. She also loved spending time with the grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Wilson Olen Cornell, who passed away on May 3, 2007.

Survivors include her children, Linda K. Gregory and husband Melvin of Elizabethtown, Michael C. Cornell Ph.D. and wife Tina of Huntsville, Alabama; grandchildren, Micah Jon Gregory of Louisville, KY, Sara Diane Kelley of LaGrange, KY, Patrick M. Cornell and wife Caroline of Huntsville, AL, Nathan M. Cornell and wife Gracie of Huntsville, and Adam M. Cornell and wife Maddie also of Huntsville; great-grandchildren, Jace A. Kelley of LaGrange, Sean O. Kelley also of LaGrange, Carley L. Gregory of Elizabethtown, Wilma Cornell and Birdie Cornell both of Huntsville; sister, Virginia “Jenny” Jones and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Ben Mitchell officiating. Interment will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Randy Cornell, Micah Gregory, Jace Kelley, Nathan Cornell, Adam Cornell, and Ben Kelley serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.