JoAnn Elizabeth Cornelius

JoAnn Elizabeth Cornelius passed away at 97 years old on August 2, 2025. She was born on May 6, 1928 in Olpe, Kansas. She was the 7th child and the caboose of Ernest and Mamie Rossillon’s children. She was raised on a farm outside Gridley, Kansas where she was expected to do farm chores taking care of the small animals-goats, lambs, and chickens. JoAnn attended Kansas University studying nursing and on to Wichita for nursing training. While at KU she met this handsome man with a green chevy convertible who went by the name of Jack. JoAnn married the love of her life, Jack Epps Cornelius on October 4, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married 62 years prior to Jack passing in 2013.

JoAnn is survived by her 5 children and their spouses included: Susan and Mike Sizemore, Robert and Jamie Cornelius, Rick and Geralyn Cornelius, Barbara and Mark Minnick, and Judy and Wade Burch. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Ryan and Margaret Luker-Marleigh and Mallory; Kristen and Matt Pomeroy-Mary and Molly; Courtney and Michael Heaton-Hunter and Jase; Reed and Ashley Cornelius-Jack, Claire, and Pierce; Austin and Zoe Cornelius-Dorothea and Jack; Andrew and Pam Minnick-Gabriel, Brianna, and Landon; Audrey and Brady Sillivent-Wyatt and Eli; Eric and Summer Minnick; Lindsey and Derek Cyrilla; Hannah and Austin Dillard-Madelyn. Brother: Edwin Rossillon.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Hilltop Lakes, Texas. JoAnn will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00 at Houston Memorial Oaks in Houston, TX. Pallbearers will be Reed Cornelius, Austin Cornelius, Derek Cyrilla, Michael Heaton, Ryan Luker, Eric Minnick, Andrew Minnick, Matt Pomeroy, and Brady Sillivent.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to Easter Seals of Greater Houston. JoAnn was an area chairwoman for Easter Seals for many years helping to fundraise. Or the Alzheimer’s Association, or your favorite charity.