Jerry Cornelius

On May 11, 2020, Jerry D. Cornelius, a native of Oneonta, AL, and a long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama was eternally healed from Alzheimer's. Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

He was born on May 25, 1936, to Jessie and Alsie Cornelius. Jerry spent his childhood in Chickasaw, AL, where he enjoyed playing baseball with friends. He gave his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 12 while attending Chickasaw Baptist Church. In 1953, he graduated from Vigor High School. While attending college at Spring Hill in Mobile, Jerry joined the Marine Reserves. He then enlisted in the Air Force where he served his country for four years. In August of 1956, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Betty, and would have celebrated sixty-four years of marriage this August. Jerry served overseas in Japan and Hawaii while in the Air Force. In 1958, he was awarded Airman of the Year at Fairfield Air Force Station at Travis Air Force Base in California where he and Betty spent two years. Upon returning to Mobile in 1960, Jerry began working with International Paper Company where he advanced from an Accounting File Clerk to the Bag Plant Manager in the course of seventeen years. In 1977, he went into business for himself, starting Cornelius and Associates. Jerry then joined the Financial Industry in 1983 where he worked with several different companies until retiring from Principal Financial Group in 1999. Jerry was an active member of several churches over the course of his lifetime, including Chickasaw Baptist Church, Cloverleaf Baptist, Cypress Shores Baptist, and Cottage Hill Baptist. He served in many different capacities including Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, RA Leader, Sunday School Department Director, Pastor Search Committee Member, Deacon, and Finance Committee Chairman. For over thirty years, Jerry felt called and served in the Jail Ministry at Holman Prison in Atmore, AL, and the Mobile County Metro Jail. He was ordained as a minister at Cottage Hill Baptist Church for his years of service in the jail ministry.

Jerry and Betty were able to travel together to see many sites across the country over their life together. They enjoyed many trips to the Smoky Mountains, Hawaii, Sedona Arizona, and the beaches along the Gulf Coast. His favorite trips, however, were to see his Grandchildren!!

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Betty, of 63 years; his two sons, Gary (Julie) of Oxford, AL and Scott (Sally) of Theodore, AL. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kyle and Kaylen of Oxford, AL; Breyton and Micah of Theodore, AL. He also leaves a sister, Shirley Thames, of Mobile, AL and nieces, nephews, many other relatives, and close friends. Jerry’s family is forever grateful for the care he received during the last several years by his loving caretaker, Doris Calhoun, and most recently by the wonderful staff at Lynwood Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the form of gift cards (no cash or checks) for basic residents’ needs at Lynwood Nursing Home. Gift cards can be sent to or dropped off at Lynwood Nursing Home, Attention: Elizabeth Anderson (Director), 4164 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36693 (251-661-9944)

There was a public visitation held Wednesday, May 13, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. A private funeral service was held immediately following the visitation.You can access a recording of the service by clicking the link below. A private burial will take place at Pine Crest Cemetery.