Cornell Burris

Cornell Burris was born in Centralia, Illinois on May 30,1936, the son of Thomas Coleman and Rose Ada Belle Burris. He made his eternal transition to glory on August 22, 2024, in the comfort of his home with his loving family and exemplary caregivers supporting him during his last days on this side of the Jordan. He was the “youngest” twin brother of Vernell Burris, Sr. who also earned his eternal rest in glory on July 27, 2024. Cornell graduated from Centralia High School in June 1958 and was one of their outstanding football and track & field athletes.

He received two associate's degrees from Indiana Vocational Technical College (now Ivy Tech Community College): #1 in Automotive Service in May 1982 & #2 in Small Enterprise and Office Operations in May 1985.

First Sergeant Cornell is a highly decorated soldier serving in the United States Army from June 23,1953 to September 30, 1978, whereby he received his Honorable Discharge after serving “25 years, 3 months, & 7 days” as he proudly said when anyone asked how long he served. He also proudly shared his rise from a private enlisted soldier to his highest noncommissioned officer (NCO) rank of First Sergeant/E-8. As a senior officer, he supervised the leadership and professional development and served as a primary trainer and mentor for all levels of soldiers in their daily interactions. As First Sergeant, he had numerous administrative duties, such as managing company logistics and supervising administrative issues. First sergeants are often described as the “lifeblood of the Army” and “master trainer of the company”.

Upon returning to the civilian world, he once again served the United States as a Federal Government Civil Service Employee August 27, 1979, to June 1, 1998. Serving as a Security Guard/ Police, as well as a Lead Mail Clerk, and later serving in Labor Management Relations whereby he became AFGE Local 1411 Union President January 1987 to December 1989. Just as he did in the Army, Cornell was a master change agent that took the union from a fledgling operation and turned it around to be a stellar operation that benefited both staff and management.

Lastly, in his career, Cornell served as the Church Administrator for Oasis of Hope Baptist Church August 1998 to July 2000 serving as both administrator and business manager. Again, under his dynamic and tireless leadership the church went from being in the “red” financially to thriving on solid ground in the “black” as a beacon of light in God’s Kingdom.

Cornell Burris and his wife, Claryce, became members of Light of the World Christian Church in May 2013 under then Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. David Hampton. Cornell served faithfully in the Men’s Ministry giving of his divine gifts to make life better.

The following are some of Cornell’s Army honors and awards:

1. Commendation Award for Meritorious Svc in Korea 1969

2. Two (2) Bronze Star Medals/Meritorious Achievement 1970

3. The Meritorious Svc Medal as First Sergeant of the 508th Transportation Company, 38th Transportation Battalion 1975

4. The Army Commendation Medal as First Sergeant of 28th Transportation Company 1977.

5. The Meritorious Svc Medal as First Sergeant Supply & Transportation Battalion Operations 1978.

6. Stellar Annual Performance Appraisals (his entire career)

Cornell was a VERY active Community Activist whom his wife affectionately named “Captain Crusader” which included:

1. AFGE Local 1411 Union

2. Central IN Commission on Aging (CICOA)-Advisory Board

3. Barrett Law 42nd Street Committee-Chairman

4. Blacks In Government (BIG) both state and federal levels

5. NAACP-Indianapolis Chapter President 2006-2009

6. Devington Neighborhood Association

7. Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative

8. Indiana Dept. of Environmental Mgt Citizen Advocate

9. Indiana & Marion County Democratic Committees

10. Concerned Clergy-Labor Chair

11. Washington Township Precinct Committeeman

12. Oasis of Hope Men’s Ministry Leadership Team

13. NARFE (National Active & Retired Federal Employee Association)

14. Washington Township Democratic Club-Executive Board

Beloved Survivors: Wife, Claryce Burris, Son, James Bartlett (Vanessa) , Cornellia Nykki Burris Bunch, daughter, Bonus Daughter, Satin Crable, Bonus Sons, Rachman Crable(Traci) & Asaad Crable; Grandsons: Shawn Bartlett (LaShawn), Jarrett Bartlett (Keisha), & Jonas Bunch, Granddaughters: Immanuel & Django Bunch; Nieces: Sabae Martin; Dr. Tracey Burris, Junnell Hughes & Evelyn Groce (Rodney), Nephew Vernell Burris Jr. (Lourdes Marie) and a host of great nephews, great nieces, extended family & great friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Rose Ada Belle Burris; father, Thomas Coleman; oldest brother David Burris and his wife May; sister, Gloria Jones; niece Paralee McFarland, and his twin brother Vernell Burris Sr.

A visitation for Cornell will be held Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Light of The World Christian Church, 4646 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46228, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM.