Eloise F. Cornett

Eloise F. Cornett, age 102, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 3:00pm; in the chapel of Williams & Bluitt Funeral Home located at 5252 E. 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46218. The name Eloise means “famous warrior,” and how perfect was that name for the second oldest born to Joe Brown and Mary Ellen South in the summer of July 18,1921. She overcame many setbacks and hard times throughout her life. Her early years were extremely hard, her father died at an early age, but she persevered and was truly an overcomer. She, along with her older sister Eva, were sent to live on a farm in Alabama with their Aunt Flossy. It was there that she learned how to persevere during difficult times, and she learned the ethic of hard work. During her lifetime, she experienced the injustices of segregation, as well as survived the devastation of The Depression. Eloise accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended Town Mountain Baptist Church in Hazard, KY, where she was active in the choir, in Bible study, and other ministries for many years, prior to moving to Indianapolis. Eloise met, fell in love, and married Pearl Brown Cornett on October 16, 1941, in Hazard, KY. They welcomed into their union 5 sons: Leon Dexter, Paul Brown, Daniel Alexander, Allen Brent, Eric Wayne, and one daughter, Diane Doretha. When her oldest two children were small they moved to Olmestead Falls, OH. Eloise was a homemaker while her husband, Pearl worked as a schoolteacher. The family would take a trip every summer to visit relatives in Kentucky and eventually moved back when Pearl retired. After the tragic death of her husband, Eloise focused on her family, fulfilling Pearl’s request to take care of the family. She never remarried. Eloise was a great storyteller. She often laughed and told stories about her childhood and her time living on the famous Town Mountain in Hazard, Kentucky. She had an excellent memory, recalling names and places that some of us could not remember. She was a joy to be around. Prior to her decline in health, she would accompany her children and grandchildren on family vacations. She was quick-witted and had the ability to “tell it like it is,” no mincing of words. She kept her quick wit and humor until the end. Her hearty laugh could fill the room! In the years of her decline, Eloise could often be heard saying: “I’m jumping but not very high.” Eloise was an avid reader; it was not unusual to find her legs crossed, sitting up in her bed, reading a book or magazine. She loved to cook, especially for the holidays, and her cookie jar was always full, except when one of her sons were around. She was also a quilter; all of her children and grandchildren have been blessed with quilts made by her hands. In addition, she also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and working in her garden. She also had a green thumb; you could send her any ailing plant, and she could bring it back to life. She had a very big heart and touched many lives. Eloise peacefully departed this life at the age of 102 years old. She was ready, and she was tired. “Take your rest, Mama, Ma, Granny, Nana, Grandma, Eller. You are greatly loved, and you will truly be missed!” Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. “Thank you for all the love you gave each of us.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mary Ellen Brown; loving husband, Pearl Cornett; sisters and brothers-in-law, Eva and Eddie Rimbert; Florence and John Willie Combs; brother, Joe Brown; daughter, Diane Jones; son, Allen Cornett; and one grandson, Robert Leon Jones. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Leon (Judy) Cornett of Indianapolis, In; Paul (Janice) Cornett of Indianapolis, In; Daniel (Alice) of Sagamore Hills, Oh, and Eric of Indianapolis, In. There are also daughter-in-law, Theresa Cornett of Indianapolis, In; son-in-law, Samuel Jones of Georgia; 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. All were dearly beloved by her. L.R. Nixon and the staff of Williams & Bluitt Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cornett family.