Dorothy Whaley Cornelius

Mrs. Dorothy Whaley Cornelius, age 87 of Middleton, Tennessee, departed this life Thursday evening, October 20, 2016 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Middleton, Mrs. Cornelius was born Saturday, August 24, 1929 to the late John William and Orphia Pearl Goodrum Whaley. She graduated with the Class of 1947 from Middleton High School and on Friday, December 31, 1948, she was united in marriage to Mr. W. J. "Red" Cornelius, who preceded her in death Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

She worked as a secretary for Cornelius Lumber, and also enjoyed sacking groceries at Webster's Grocery on Thursday afternoons. She was a very active member of the Middleton Church of Christ for over 60 years, where she kept the nursery and taught Sunday School. Aside from her very active church life, she spent most of her time simply taking care of her husband, Red and family.

Survivors include her son, Ronny Cornelius and wife Annette (Sarge) of Middleton; grandchildren, Jon Cornelius and wife Deanna of Brentwood, Bill Cornelius and wife Amanda of Middleton, Angie Ross and husband Lynn of Cedar Hill, and Beth Waller and husband Bo of Bolivar; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Ross, Maddie Baker, Kate Cornelius, Ellen Cornelius, Brayden Waller, Caleb Cornelius, Audrey Cornelius and Brodie Cornelius, and a half brother, Roy Whaley of Jackson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Regina Cornelius, who passed away April 11, 2006; son, William Kenneth "Kenny" Cornelius, who passed away September 30, 2011; sister, Mary Frances Harrell; a brother, Gene Whaley; and two half brothers, William and David Whaley.

Charitable donations made in Mrs. Cornelius's memory may be sent to the Middleton Church of Christ Library or to the American Diabetes Association.