Elizabeth Ann Cornelison

It is with very deep sadness that we announce the passing from this life of 87-years-old Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Cornelison, a long-time resident of Traylor Retirement Community in Roanoke, Alabama.  Mrs. Cornelison transitioned from this life on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Traylor Retirement Community in Roanoke.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Cornelison will long be remembered as a very talkative personable 87-year-old senior whose roots are in Springfield, Clark County, Ohio.  Despite her advancing age, Elizabeth had an amazing "gift-of-gabb" and a surprisingly vivid memory to go along with it. She loved to tell stories about her life as a young girl growing up in Springfield, Clark County, Ohio. 

Born, October 22, 1936 in Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, Elizabeth Ann is the biological daughter of Charles Wesley Casey and Esther (Echols) Casey. Elizabeth had one sister, Phyllis Jean Casey, now deceased. There was also a younger brother, Earnest Casey, believed to be still alive.   Twice widowed, Elizabeth was married to the late Carson L. Rice, and later, the late Officer Clyde William Cornelison.

Looking back on her life, Elizabeth actually recalled being raised by foster parents: Thomas and Mahalia Clifton. She was blessed to be raised by these two amazing foster parents. The Cliftons made their living by farming on land they did not own. It was a 600-acre farm. They worked this farm for the landowner.  The father, Mr. Clifton was paid $1.00/a day for farming the land.  According to public records, she attended Springfield Senior High School in Ohio.  Shown in the photo is Elizabeth pictured with her class around 1953.  We believe it would be fair to conclude that she actually matriculated and graduated from Springfield Senior High School in Ohio.   Elizabeth also had a religious affiliation, raised in the Evangelical United Brethren Church, in Springfield, Ohio (which later became the United Methodist Church). In her productive years, Elizabeth worked as a waitress, and a "5 & Dime" Clerk at Woolworth in Springfield, Ohio.   Working in the Restaurant industry, she also learned to cook and, at various times in her life, she worked as a cook. Elizabeth also worked for Schuler’s Bakery in Springfield, Ohio for 12 to 14 years as a baker and cake decorator. 

Elizabeth's predeceased loved ones include both her parents: Lefal Casey, a World War II Veteran, still considered "Missing In Action" (MIA); and Mary Echols-Casey; two (2) sons: Howard Rice —who died in infancy — and Howard Harrison Rice — our big brother (1957-1990); a step-son, Marvin William Cornelison (1942-2021), William "Bill" Cornelison (1951-2023); three (3) beloved daughers: Gail Christine McGuire (1954-2014); a son-in law, Willis Franklin McGuire (1958-1990), Mary Ada Cornelison-Heckman (1964-2014); and a son-in-law, Jerry Millage (1939-2017) —  proud husband, father — and to some a father figure.

Mrs. Cornelison had six (6) daughters:  Gail Christine (deceased), Victoria Ann, (resides in Colorado), Stephanie Kaye, Mary Alta (deceased), Diana Lee, Ada Vienna; and three (3) sons:  Howard Harrison Rice (who passed as an infant), Howard Harrison Rice (deceased), and Samuel Solomon Cornelison.

Looking through the prism of very faint memories, Mrs. Cornelison does not know the exact number of grandchildren she has. She had a stroke that affected her memory; but she gives Traylor Nursing Home here in Roanoke, Alabama, all the credit for bringing her back from the stroke, and improving the quality of her life. She was a delightful lady to meet and converse with.

She is survived by 4 daughters:  Victoria Ann Wade, Stephanie Kay Cave, Diana Lee Ryan and Ada Jean (Vienna) Price;  two (2) stepdaughters sharing father Patti Jo Millage and Leonteen Faught and Son, Samuel Solomon Cornelison.  

Her adoring grandchildren include: Chassity Heckman, Jessica Jones, Emily Cave, Megan Harrison, David (Joey) Price, Katie Price, Ada Wade, Elijah Wade, Zackery Gordon, Hannah Elizabeth Cornelison, Cami McGuire, Alaina McGuire, and Nathaniel McGuire. 47 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren.  

Considering her life story, one way we could conclude her life story is in this way: "Thankfully, we can not only mourn the loss of her life, but we can also celebrate the life she lived and the many lessons she taught us".

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