Phyllis M. Cornell

Phyllis M. Cornell, of Mansfield, Ohio, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on November 19, 2016 surrounded by family. Phyllis was born January 22, 1929 in Mansfield, daughter of late Dale and Ethel Watt.

Phyllis graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1947 and worked at one of the first TV sales shop in the Mansfield area and at Kresge’s in the photo section where she would “paint” the photos to highlight the color. During her teenage years, she could often be found roller skating on Saturday nights with family and friends. As a young girl, some of her most cherished memories were helping her mother with chores or a special fishing trip to Canada with her father. In later years, it was the time they spent talking and sharing on the golf course.

On September 3, 1949, she married Don E. Cornell, enjoying a celebrated life together for 63 years. Devoted wife and loving mother, Phyllis blessed everyone fortunate enough to know her. With tender love and humbled spirit, she diligently taught her children through Word and deed the greatest importance of family, friends and faith in Jesus Christ.

As a member of The First English Lutheran Church, Phyllis visited families and neighbors by cooking and offering support in time of need. At family gatherings, everyone looked forward to her special baked beans, one-of-a-kind corn casserole, and best of all: peanut butter pie! Entertaining guests through her gift of cooking was a specialty of hers. Phyllis also loved painting and in addition to winning her own awards in Columbus, she enjoyed the work of others, attending galleries and festivals all over the country. More importantly, she could be found at any given time with her grandchildren at the kitchen table drawing and painting, creating their own little masterpieces with grandma.

As a devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, she always saw the best in people and would always be available to help those in need. She had a true gift of listening and discernment - known to prayerfully seek wisdom and give Godly advice. Her sincere smile could calm a heated situation, and her heartfelt embrace could instantly comfort those in need. Sharing the love of Jesus was her passion not just through her words, but her actions of love: a legacy that will last not only the years she spent here on earth, but for eternity.

Her love for the Ohio seasons (especially the winter snows) brought her joy throughout her lifetime. Phyllis and Don traveled across the country, including Hawaii but spent most winters with family and friends in Florida or Arizona.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Ethel Watt; brother, Jim Watt; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and David Burger; and sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and Bill Armstrong.

She is survived by her son, Don and Ruth Cornell of Lancaster, Ohio, daughter, Connie and Russ Roshau of Phoenix, Arizona and son, John and Cindy Cornell; grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Cornell, Robert Roshau and Christie Roshau-Lukes and Sarah and Grace Cornell; great grandson, Emmet Cornell; sister-in-laws, Isabelle Blackledge and Judy Watt along with many loving nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 53 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio, followed by a graveside service at Mansfield Cemetery conducted by Rev. Paul L. Larson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church "Renewing God's House Appeal".