Mary Inez Davis Cornelius

Mary Inez Davis Cornelius of Midwest City, Oklahoma, passed away on August 4, 2024. She was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on January 2, 1938, to parents Granville Monroe Beck and Viola Long Beck. Mary graduated with a BA in Education from Central State College. On June 7, 1957, she married Loraine Eugene (L.E.) Davis and spent 30 years together until L.E.'s death in 1987. Later, Mary married Andrew (Andy) Chester Cornelius on March 19, 1994.

She lived in Guthrie and was the “New Year’s Baby” (the first baby born in the New Year). Mary was born on January 2 and had two grandchildren born on her birthday. Pamela (Mary’s oldest daughter), her firstborn, Stephanie Lynn Neighbors, was born on January 2, 45 years later. Stephanie was also the New Year’s baby in Edmond that year. Marcia (Mary’s youngest daughter), her firstborn Clayton Davis Estes, was also born on January 2, Mary’s birthday. Mary married L.E. and lived in Edmond, Oklahoma, and had her first child, Pamela Lynn. Mary moved to Clinton, Oklahoma, and had her second child, Scott Eugene. Mary moved to Lawton, Oklahoma, and had her third child, Marcia Jean. Mary then moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mary and L.E. built a house in Midwest City and moved there.

Some of her favorite music was Sinatra, hymns, Andy Williams, Gaithers, jazz, and show tunes. Mary could always count on her children and grandkids to make her laugh.

A perfect day for Mary would be a fall day with the leaves turning colors and the sun shining through them.

Mary taught others the importance of being a caring Christian, to care for the environment, to love to read and a curiosity to learn new things. Most people would remember her as a Christian woman who used her talents and gifts to honor God through teaching and helping others. Mary’s devotion was to God, Jesus, and her family.

Mary has many personal and professional accomplishments, such as being an elementary teacher, police crossing guard in Oklahoma City, PTA member at Willowbrook School, and member of the A.F.T. Teachers Union. As well as the Lioness Club Organization, a member of Country Estates Baptist Church, Director of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Sunday school departments, Evangelism Explosion Visitation Tenant Church.

She is survived by husband Andrew (Andy) Chester Cornelius; children Pamela Lynn Davis (Mark Neighbors) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Scott Eugene Davis (Elaine Clay) of Midwest City, Oklahoma; Marcia Jean Davis (Don Estes) of Edmond, Oklahoma; stepchildren Cynthia Lynn Cornelius (Gordon Gransden) of Newburgh, New York; Andrew (Drew) Cornelius of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Mark Cornelius of Arizona; sibling William (Bill) Monroe Beck (Wanzalle) of McLoud, Oklahoma, sister-in- law Marilyn Beck of Texas; 4 grandchildren Stephanie Lynn Khoury, Bridgett Ann Chaghouri, Clayton Davis Estes, Audrey Marie Estes; 4 great grandchildren Connor Loubnan Khoury; Alexander Mark Khoury; Jonathan Neighbors Chaghouri; Owen Davis Chaghouri; step grandchildren Tracey Gransden; Brian Gransden; Larissa Corbin; step-great grandchildren Mya, Shayla, Jonah, Aaliyah, and Nori, as well as 9 nieces and 5 nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her first husband, Loraine Eugene (L.E.) Davis; parents, Granville Monroe Beck and Viola Long Beck; and brothers Donald Earldean Beck and Gary Dudley Beck (JoAnn).

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to Country Estates Baptist Church Building Fund.

A memorial service for Mary will be held Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Country Estates Baptist Church, 1000 S Midwest Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73110. Following the memorial service will be an inurnment at 2:00 PM at Gracelawn Cemetery, Edmond, Edmond, OK 73003.