Brenda Evelyn Cornell, 72, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born September 3, 1942, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to the late Glen and Jewell (Swimm) Henderson.
She retired from Sensors and Switches in 1995 after 27 years of service and was a member of IUE-CWA Local #708. Brenda attended Peoples Baptist Church and Real Life Community Church. She enjoyed spending her time fishing or visiting with her family, creating many lasting memories. Brenda’s faithful and special canine friend, Lily, was always by her side.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 53 years, James E. Cornell, whom she married on January 4, 1962; four children, Jamie (Randy) Hutchinson, Lorri (Ron) Lewis, Michael (Denise) Cornell and Bryan Cornell (Lisa Lookabaugh); eight grandchildren, Brandy (Matt) Grove, Tabitha (Bruce) Crawford, Amanda Lewis, Paige Cornell, Mike Cornell, Travis Cornell, Nicole (Zac) Kimble and Megan Rollins; thirteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Glen (Kathy) Henderson, Jr. and Bill (Karlyn) Henderson; two sisters, Pearl (Ernie) Bays and Andrea Rodriguez; two sisters-in-law, Betty Henderson and Pauline Frazee; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Thomas Henderson; a sister, Lois Messer; and an infant sister.
The family will receive friends from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2015, in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Pastor Phil Green will conduct the graveside service which follows in Ontario Cemetery at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the Humane Society of Richland County.
Brenda’s family wishes to extend a special “thank you” to her home health aide, Joey; her hospice nurse, Brenda; and a very special “thank you” to her niece, Carolyn “Dumpy” Evans.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com
