Cornelia Johnson Vick

Cornelia Johnson Vick, age 78, of Raleigh, North Carolina died peacefully in her home on October 31, surrounded by her family. A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, she is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Washington Johnson. She is survived by her children, daughter Miller Vick Stanley (Bobby) of Raleigh and son, Durant Gallup Vick, Jr. (Krissy) of Wilmington and her precious grandchildren, Holden Stanley Clark (Matthew), James Robert “Jimbo” Stanley, Eleanor Grace “Ellie” Vick, Sallie Johnson Vick and Durant Gallup “Ran” Vick, III.

Cornelia attended college at St. Mary’s College in Raleigh and UNC Greensboro, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in June 1965. After teaching school in Charlottesville, Virginia, Cornelia moved back to North Carolina in 1975 to plant her young family’s roots. Living down the street from White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cornelia and her family joined the church that year, and she has been an active member ever since. She taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school and helped create and participated in the 79ers Club and the musical group, Spare Ribs. Additionally, she was an active member of her church women’s circle #4. Known for her fabulous cooking, her dishes were always a favorite at potluck dinners. Cornelia was awarded the Honorary Life Membership from the Presbyterian Women of the PC(USA) which honors faithful service to the church.

Cornelia used her many creative gifts to serve her community. Her talents included a passion for arranging flowers for weddings, parties and church gatherings, creating wreaths, painting deb stools and volunteering at the Korner Gift Shop at Rex Hospital. She was a member of the Rex Hospital Guild Board for 17 years. She worked at Taylor’s of Raleigh and became known as a modern-day Emily Post, sharing her valuable wisdom on etiquette and impeccable taste for stationery and wedding invitations. Cornelia was a charter member of the Capital City Garden Club and loved to work in her yard. She was an avid member of the Solo Sisters, Twentieth Century Book Club of Raleigh and Junior League of Raleigh.

While she was uniquely talented, her greatest love and what brought her the most joy was parenting her two children, Miller and Dee. She was actively involved in their education at Sherwood-Bates Elementary, Daniels Middle School and Needham B. Broughton High School, serving in the PTA, teaching Art in the Schools and always cheering in the crowd at athletic events.

Gigi, as her grandchildren call her, was a gorgeous grandmother who put on her Chanel No. 5 perfume and her Revlon Orange Flip lipstick every day, but her true beauty came from within. She delighted in giving to others, whether a housewarming gift, a new baby present or a meal to a friend. Cooking was her labor of love, and friends and family know time spent in Cornelia’s kitchen meant enjoying her delicious Southern cooking made from scratch and specialties like cut up fruit, pots of fresh corn cut off the cob, butterbeans, field peas or other fresh vegetables carefully selected from her favorite local farmers at the State Farmers Market. Family trips to the beach always included her seafood dinners and her chocolate sheet cake.

Gigi was loved by many, and her last months are truly a testament to the type of friend she was to all. She received countless cards, emails, flowers, meals, drive-by visits, bottles of wine, desserts and small gifts including birdseed. She was touched by the love and support of many close friends, especially her backdoor neighbor and devoted friend, Sandra Davis, who shared many special, quiet moments singing hymns and watching the bluebirds and goldfinches through the kitchen window. As Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us, we can look at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and observe God’s care over creation. Neither the birds nor the flowers work or have any need to be anxious because God is faithful to them.

Cornelia’s family will receive friends at the home of Miller and Bobby Stanley on November 7 from 4-6 p.m.

A memorial service celebrating Cornelia’s beautiful, faithful life will be held on November 8 at 2:30 p.m. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 McDonald Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina 27608.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's Street Raleigh, NC 27605.