Last updated on September 1, 2022
Jeanette Cornelius was born on June 7, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to Sue Dodd and Jasper Fain. She graduated from Forest Avenue High School in Dallas, Texas 1947.
While working at Sears and Roebuck she met the love of her life, a 3rd generation Rockwall native, Clifford Cornelius. After a brief 4-month courtship on July 3rd, 1948 they joined hands and spent the rest of their lives as man and wife. Together they made their home in Rockwall where they raised 3 daughters.
In the late 80s, Jeanette retired from the United States Post Office. With her family grown, she dedicated her time to her hobbies. Being a person of many talents and the mind of a true artist, Jeanette was known throughout her community for her hand painted porcelain dolls, oil paintings, and her sewing. Being active in her community she donated many self-designed quilts to local charity functions.
Jeanette’s love was genealogy. She traveled throughout the United States tracing her family’s heritage back to the early 1600’s. Jeanette was an organizer and founding member of the Rockwall Historical Society, The Rock Wall Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), DAC (Daughters of the Confederacy), a member of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and was awarded the Martha Washington Medal by the Sons of the American Revolution. Her research led to the publication of her book on the history of the Fain Family.
While her hobbies kept her occupied her true love was her grandchildren. A ready babysitter, she celebrated the birth of each grandchild. Her home was their playhouse with hours spent cooking, playing games and overnight slumber parties. She relished each stage of their lives and each grandchild knew they were special.
Jeanette and her husband Clifford Cornelius (deceased) were married for 62 years. They are the parents of three daughters, Kathy Darst, Patty, married to Joe Tim Griffin, and Twila married to Jim Gill. Jeanette has 5 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, two grandchildren Clifford Alexander Turner, Amanda Griffin, and one great grandchild baby Angel Hopkins.
Funeral services will be held 11:00am Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall location. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior the the service from 10:00am to 11:00am at The Gathering at Rest Haven Funeral Home- Rockwall location.
