Shirley Jean Cornett

Shirley Jean Cornett was called home to the Lord on January 29, 2010. Shirley was born to Dallas Reid Cundiff and Iola Anna Cundiff in Louisville, Kentucky on June 21, 1935. She grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky High School. She was preceded in death by her parents and only brother, Donald A. Cundiff of Katy, Texas. Shirley is survived by the love of her life for 56 years, Paul Cornett, daughters Deborah Gay Miller, Las Vegas, Nevada and Tammie Lynn Hillier, Mesa Arizona. Also surviving her is her sister-in-law Patricia Cundiff, Katy, Texas, two nieces, Donna Ann Haynes, Pullman, Washington and Cathy Carol Forgety of Katy, Texas. In addition she has several grand nieces and one grand nephew. Her first career was that of a military officer's wife. During those 21 years she was very active in the Officers Wives Club events such as bridge, teas, golf, dances, dinners, etc. As a military wife, it was constant change, moving household furniture, kids, and pets. She moved across the USA 14 times plus once to Japan and back, often without the help of her husband. These were the "Cold War Days With Russia". Paul was almost always gone to Europe for "Nuclear Alert" duty or on "Home Base Alert" when he returned to the USA. Shirley was not only managing her own life and family but was expected to help with the younger wives who might be having difficulties coping with the constant absence of their husbands. While in Japan she spent many hours working in the Vietnam Casualty Staging Hospital with the war wounded being transferred back to the states. After Shirley retired from her first career as a military wife, she worked fro Dr. Vineyard and Dr. Tom McHorse for 2 years. She then became a very successful Real Estate Broker for 20 years in Austin, Texas, working for Marsh & Box Real Estate, Amelia Bullock Real Estate, and Waterloo Builders. Shirley continued her real estate career in Austin after they built a house and moved to Lakeway in 1982. She received many professional awards during her career. Shirley was an active member in many organizations in Lakeway and The Hills, including Women's Club of Greater Lakeway, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lake Travis Republican Women's Club, Lakeway Associates of Seton, Clubs of Lakeway Women's Golf, Hills Ladies Golf Association, Women's Club Sing-a-long Group (she will always be Hello Dolly), and several bridge clubs. For the past 20 years, Shirley and Paul continued their passion for travel. They visited many European countries, Russia, Africa, New Zealand, mainland China, The South Pacific, Central and South America, Canada and all 50 states of the USA. Their home is filled with beautiful treasures from their travels. Shirley's humor, laughter, and kindness made her a dear friend to anyone that met her. She was an incredible cook and gracious hostess. She loved to entertain and especially loved parties, including her famous Kentucky Derby Parties and Halloween Dinner Dances. Shirley loved her family dearly and was a loyal friend to many. Her deep faith in God provided her courage and optimism as she bravely fought her cancer for over 4 years. During her difficult illness she was always filled with positive thoughts and energy. Shirley will be forever missed by her family and friends. God has welcomed her home. The family would like to express special thanks to her oncologist who became her friend, Dr. Ellen Blair Smith and her staff, and also special thanks to her wonderful friends in Lakeway and The Hills, who were her never ending support. Pallbearers are: Joann Anderson, Julianne DeBower, LaNell Edwards, Mary Anne Marquis, Ann Neighbors, and Pat Smith. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Lakeway Church, 2303 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway, Texas 78734, or Austin Hospice, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759. Celebrations of Life services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis Chapel, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas.