Ozella Cornelius

Ozella Marie Cornelius was born August 22, 1938, in Houlka Mississippi to the union of James and Juanita Cook. She was the 3rd of 4 children born to this union. Her Parents, James and Juanita, Sister, Martha Evans, and Children, Eric and Albert Cornelius preceded her in death.

Mother Cornelius was educated in the Okolona MS school system, where she graduated with honors in 1956. After graduating High School, Mother Cornelius moved to St. Louis MO, where she met and married Odell Cornelius in 1959, from this union 5 children were born.

Mother Cornelius confessed hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Center Hill M.B. Church in Houlka Mississippi. After migrating to St. Louis, Mother Cornelius joined the Baptist Church of the Holy Communion under the leadership of Pastor Bartlett Wilkerson where she served as Sunday School teacher for many years. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Mother Cornelius joined the Willing Workers C.R.S Church under the leadership on Bishop Arzell Robertson.

Mother Cornelius was a faithful servant and served as Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, Prayer Leader, Treasurer, Trustee and Mother for many, years. She had a passion for the word of God and was known as a biblical scholar.

Mother Cornelius was employed at Grand Prix Electronics as a Line Supervisor until her retirement in 2003. During her years at GPX she fostered many lasting relationships that have endured until this day.

Mother Cornelius was a pilar of her community and was a great influencer to the youth and young adults, alongside the other matriarchs in the neighborhood, especially on her home block, the 5900 block of Summit Ave. Mother was an avid walker and never met a stranger in the community.

Mother Cornelius took her flight home to be with the Lord on March 24th, 2024, at her residence.

Mother Cornelius leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved children, Thomas (Charsetta), Harriet, Jerrick (Stephanie). 11 Grandchildren, LaTina, Nicole, Thomas, Jerrick Jr. Courtney (Kyani), Jordan, Cordelle, Gabriel, Chris, Myles, Kymberlyn. 7 Great Grandchildren, Andre, Lavaun, Elijah, Jermiah, Kiyomi, Lillianna, Brix. 2 Siblings, Jimmy Cook (Ollie) of Tupelo Mississippi & Eldrige Cook of Lansing Michigan. Special Family, Lane (Keron), Phyllis (Stephen), Tracy (William), Reola Peace. Min. Ann Springer, Helen & Royal Cook. Spiritual Daughters, Linda Barton, Sharon Lockett, Mary Hayden and A’shira (Peanut) Gaines. Min. Karen Morris, Rita Doulas: a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends that she loved and cherished dearly.