Cornelius Emanuel Cherry

I guarantee you that if you knew Cornelius, you definitely have a story to tell. You are more than likely filled with unforgettable memories of him. I remember Daddy sitting us on the sofa and pretending to perform one of his favorite songs, or tearing phone books in half for us. One of his granddaughters told me that she will never forget how safe he always made her feel. Maybe your memory is of his love and passion for barbecuing. You felt like you hit the Jackpot if you were at his house when he felt like grilling. Or maybe it was his love and passion for photography. With framed pictures, that he took himself, on every wall in his home, a simple morning visit could easily turn into an all-day photo shoot. Or maybe your memory is of something he gave you, a hat, a watch, or a perfectly good shirt that he didn’t want anymore. No matter what your memories are of Cornelius, first and foremost, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a brother in law, and a friend that will never be forgotten. Resourceful, accomplished, and masterful, Cornelius Cherry worked for his father faithfully for many years. In 1957, he was handed a more than 65 year old family owned business, Manuel Cherry & Son Plumbing Co., which he successfully owned and managed for an additional 13 years. In 1969, Cornelius became the first Black Plumbing Inspector for the city of Phoenix. And for a while, he taught Plumbing classes at Maricopa Community College. When Cornelius retired from the city of Phoenix, in 1993, he was supervisor over the Plumbing and Mechanical Plans Review Department. Leaving the city of Phoenix with 24 years of work standards of excellence and loyal commitment.

Preceding him to Glory was his 4th child, a daughter, Maria, and 2 grandchildren, Kushanta and Brenton. Cornelius leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Dorothy and 6 other children, Verliddia, Antoinette, Emanuel, Armieda, Jameselle, and Llynette. Struggling with Spinal Stenosis, the last few years of his life, Cornelius was lovingly cared for by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

This short Eulogy is not even the tip of the iceberg concerning how much more could have been said, and many more stories that could have been told. But with all that is still left to say, no one can deny these closing words; Cornelius E. Cherry’s Greatest accomplishment was “Finding a place in all our Hearts!”