Geraldine Cornelius

Geraldean Johnson Cornelius, 78, of Statesville, passed away Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Gordon Hospice House. She was born in Wilkes County on August 7, 1935 to the late Percy and Eva Pendergrass Johnson. Mrs. Cornelius attended Wilkes County Schools and married Willard K. "Red" Cornelius on June 22, 1958. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage. She operated her own beauty shop for years and was retired from Brian Center of Statesville after 23 years of service as a CNA. She was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church. Along with her husband "Red," she is survived by a son, Willard "Kenny" Cornelius II (Sheryl) of Statesville; three daughters, Virginia Ann Anderson (Eddie) of N. Wilkesboro, Debbie Lynn Lackey of Newton, Cindy Wagner (Joe) of Statesville; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and two sisters, Frances Queen of N. Wilkesboro and Sue Dillard of West Jefferson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Monday, April 7, 2014 at New Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. David Gay officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends prior to service from 9:30 to 11:00AM in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or New Salem UMC, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.