Cornelia Rachells

Cornelia Hayes Rachells (Kenniebrew), was born on August 15th, 1943, in Ashburn, Georgia from the union of Rosabelle and Walter Hayes Sr. She had seven siblings, Linda Hudson, Vannie Chapman Gant, Annie Thomas, Walter Hayes Jr., Diane Robinson, Lillian Mixon, and Robin Hayes.

In 1943, Cornelia moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, where she was raised and would spend the rest of her life. There she met James Rachells, who she joined in Holy Matrimony in 1973. They raised their family with love and laughter, until his death in 1992.

She worked hard her entire life, dedicating herself to creating opportunities for her children so that they could succeed. She worked at the Mayfield Village Racquet club for many years where she retired. There, she created lifelong friendships and memories.

There was not a challenge she viewed as unsurmountable and she approached everyday with integrity and poise. She assumed her role as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, with gracefulness and an open heart. She loved her family with a quiet fierceness that was only rivaled by her boundless generosity to others.

Her giving nature and kindness always kept her door open to those who needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a couch to sleep on, or a homemade meal. Renowned for her cooking, she was always in the kitchen, filling the entire house with cakes and pies, ribs and roasts, and collards and ham hocks. She spent that time singing with her favorite musicians, from Sam Cooke to Shania Twain, a love of music she shared with her entire family. She always kept a seat open at her table, whether family, friend, or stranger, she was prepared to break bread.

She spent almost 4 weeks in the hospital where love and prayer flowed from nurses, aids, doctors, and staff. From family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. They believed in her and continued to lift her up until she was taken into the Lords arms on September 27th, 2019.

She was preceded in death by Linda Hudson, Dimples Austin, Vannie Chapman Gant, Annie Thomas, Lillian Mixon, and April Annette Kenniebrew.

She left behind her children, Faith Kenniebrew, Maurice Kenniebrew (Valorie), Marvin Rachells, and Anthony Rachells (Vanessa). Her grandchildren, Joanne M. Willis, Sharon Willis, April Kenniebrew, Nicholas DeVonte Rachells, Chloe Sledge, Myia Kenniebrew-Curtis, John Kenniebrew (Kimille), Trayshon James Rachells (Taylor), and James Kenniebrew. Great grand-children, Jakada Lanier, Seth Eaton, and Logan Rachells. Daughters in Christ, Peggy Kenniebrew and Connie Rachells. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Her family, John and Lilar. Her close friends Bernice and Sam. And many cherished neighbors.