Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Tillman Cornelius Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tillman Cornelius
Monter Glasper
November 14, 2008
Tillman was a father figure and great man that stood for respect. I greatly admire Tillman for his patience and dedication to entire Albion Community. Tillman will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on through all the lives his touched throughout the years of his service. Thank you Tillman and my prayers go to your family.
Alisa Atkins - Wheeler
November 11, 2008
My heart is heavy, but thankful. Thankful that I had the pleasure to know someone that cared enough to make a difference. He cared enough to make a difference in my life and many others. He was a true pillar in the community and Albion will forever be grateful for ALL that he did.
Ladies, there are no words that I can say to ease your pain, but please know you are in my prayers.
Bonnie Miles Miller
October 27, 2008
To the entire Cornelius family my prayers are with you. Take comfort in the fact that Tillman was "the truth" committed to community and family, funny yet straight forward. So many of us are better adults because of his guidance. He will truly be missed.
wilmern George Griffin Jr.
October 27, 2008
As I think back on Tillman, I think what a great man he was but especially a great black man. I think his history is a history of us all who grew up in Albion. He severed his country in the service. He work for a decade in the nasty foundry and when finally given the opportunity he was successful as director of Recreation for the city of albion for over thirty years.
When I think of Tillman I think of all the roles we have to play to be successful in this world.Tillman was hard but very sensitive, Tillman could make you think he was mean but he love to joke and play. Tillman was loud but at times very quite.
But most of all I think Tillman was fair.
Tillman was one of the first men I knew who raised his family alone. Now that I'm a father of two girls, I realize how hard that had to be for him and how much he had to sacrifice of himself for his girls.
Even though Albion is a lot different from what it was when I was growing up there(The mallable is gone, the Corner is gone, the City does have its own hospital any more and the Recorder only comes out once a week) I will always love Albion because I feel that Albion and the people of Albion made me the person I am today, and Men like Tillman are one of the reasons why I'm a EBMWJ today (Educated Black man with a Job).
I would just like the family to know that my prayers are with you and to his girls and grandchildren I'm sure I don't need to tell you but your Dad and Grand Dad was a great man.
God bless Ya
Merl Harris
October 26, 2008
To The Entire Family –
There is nothing more honorable than “service” and Tillman served Albion well. We are all familiar with the old African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”…well, Tillman was a Chief within Albion’s village.
I think we all have our personal memories of Tillman, but one memory that has become a part of me is an expression he often used. When ever he wanted you to do something (whether it was recreation night, on the court or field, or just around town) he would tell you what he wanted and then end it by saying “right now, not tomorrow” in his own Tillman Cornelius way. Honestly…I’ve adopted that expression into my own vocabulary.
Especially to the daughters, may you gain comfort in knowing that your dad had a positive impact in transforming many young boys and girls into responsible men and women. The world, our county and the communities in which we live can sure use more Tillman Cornelius, Jr.’s.
My sincere condolence!!
Lynnette Fowler (McCullough)
October 26, 2008
To the entire Cornelius family,God has just got another "coach" in heaven and we all know that "T" is making sure that the score is right. Tillman was a very good friend to my late grandfather"Soup" McCullough and his late brother "Hoagie" McCullough. They all were involed in baseball and I really miss them guys too. With that being said,they've got one heck of a game going on up there! May God comfort you all in this time of grief and in the back of your minds know that the game isn't over it's just begun. God Bless
Andrea Armstrong
October 26, 2008
Definition of a great role model would be daring, willingness to teach, loving and always fun. My role model was Tillman.. he was always there through the good and the bad. I remember him always saying "Bug you sorry". Which meant that I was a great basketball player. Tillman pushed hard for the children in Albion no matter what color they were. Recreation was available Monday through Friday and cost about 25 cents. I remember getting to play basketball and ping-pong. My father also played 30 and older basketball for many years. Tillman is a legend for the people and of course the youth in Albion. I am glad to have been able to know him. My prayers are with you and remember all the good times... Love, Bug
Ruthie Armstrong
October 26, 2008
Charlinda, Lisa and Karen our prayers are with you and your family. Tillman was a great father to you raising beautiful intelligient women. He was a friend to our family and a role model for our children. Love, Elijah and Ruthie Armstrong
DENNIS MILES
October 24, 2008
To the entire Cornelius family, especially my classmate since kindergarden, Charlinda.Take comfort in the fact that Tillman helped to turn more boys into men than any other single individual in Albion. I speak for many when I say that I am a better man and father for having known him.
John Bryden
October 24, 2008
Sorry to hear the passing of Tillman. He and I were in many of classes together at Albion High as I graduated the same year, a great man and will be missed.
NiChole Ridley*Reynolds
October 24, 2008
Karen & family,
I don't believe there are words you'll find here that'll bring you any comfort soon. Many prayers are going up for that. Your Dad demonstrated a most genuine love for a woman~his daughters' and while he may have spent time coaching a sporting event, the legacy of his life and the role model he was louder than any whistle @ the game. He was a blessing to all and maybe the memory of his life will help to change the direction of others... ...my family prays for yours.
Charles Lewis
October 24, 2008
Tillman was a good man who loved his community. I'm a better person because of him.
Leon -Carolene Carter
October 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Diane Jones
October 23, 2008
Some of my fondest memories of Tillman are of he and Rudy Saldana riding me to school on their bicycles, and the two of them verbally fighting (pretending, in good faith) to fight over which one I would ride with on the bike that day. Tillman was truly a good friend to Chuck and I, and my brother, Kenneth Bennett. Our son Terry was one of a lot of young people Tillman gave a summer job to and we are grateful. Tillman and I graduated together and were among some of the people who planned our class reunions. Tillman, you will be missed.
Gordy Garza
October 23, 2008
I had the privilage and honor of working with Tillman as his secretary, and as his scorekeeper for the Albion Recreation Department and for his PeeWee Reese baseball team for 5 years and continued for many more years until his retirement. Tillman had a big heart and was full of life. I will dearly miss him, and will cherish all the memories we shared. My deepest sympathies to Tillman's family as he will be dearly missed.
Tresses Jones
October 23, 2008
My heart is reaching out to you,
For what you’re going through;
I’m thinking of you frequently
And praying for you, too.
If there’s something I can do,
Anything at all,
Think of me thinking of you,
And don’t hesitate to call.
Brenda (Bramble) Heisler
October 23, 2008
Tillman was such a GREAt MAN to all the kids of Albion.he superceded color.he didn't care if you were black, white or purple.if you stepped outside of the rules...he'd bring it to your attention,but always with a smile.
He was a great mentor to us all, as well as a God fearing man ...he saved a great many kids of Albion...and when I think of Tillman, I shall always smile for having been blessed to have known him.
safe journey Dear Friend.
God Bless the Cornelius Family.
Roderic Wilson
October 23, 2008
In addition to Tillman's daughters and grandchildren, Tillman could claim many sons, that he taught, coached, and counseled through baseball. Some of my fondest memories as a youth was at the side of Tillman on the baseball diamond. There are many stories, too numerous, to tell. His loss will be touched by not only his family, but by the local and state community in whole. Thank you, Tillman, for your guidance, friendship, and love. You will be remembered and loved forever. God Bless You. I pray for the immediate and extended Cornelius Family.
Denise Word Eady
October 23, 2008
Chalinda, Alicia and Karen:
You are in my thoughts and prayers! It is not often that one can say that an individual touched so many lives, but we all have been truly blessed to have had "T" be a part of our lives. I can honestly say, that I do believe that working for and with Tillman prepared me to move along life's many roads. I also know that there are countless people whose lives were impacted by him; whether, as a friend, family member, employee, or through one of the many programs he initiated and personally saw through to existence. The City of Albion would not have been what it is without him.
I know that I am not alone when I say that Tillman brought out the best in us and he LOVED his girls!!
He fought a long and hard fight and is now at peace.
God Bless you and the family,
Love,
"Word"
Phyllis A. Wilson-Glasper
October 23, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Barbara Wilson
October 23, 2008
To the Cornelius Family:
I was sorry to hear about Tillman.
I will always remember him and his words of wisdom. He gave me my nickname, "Miss Hollywood". It was because of him that I left our hometown and fulfilled my dreams elsewhere.
Tillman will be greatly missed. We always claimed each other as kin, whether is was true or not, it did not matter, because that was the type of person he was.
Barbara Wilson and Family
The Williams Family
The Warner Family
The Armstrong Family
October 23, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dennis Owens
October 23, 2008
As we we grow up we often forget the people who have made difference in our lives...Mr. Tillman Cornelius made a difference in my life as well as the lives of many of my peers...My dearest condolense to the Cournelius Family...
Dennis B. Owens
Dick wood
October 23, 2008
My condolences to the entire Cornelius family on the loss of Tillman. I knew all the Cornelius brothers when I was growing up in Albion. Special condolences to my friend and classmate Floyd. May the Lord bless you and watch over the entire family during this time of grief.
SWEET/ Fairley Family
October 23, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
shon,daniel,erica white
October 23, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Tillman Cornelius's name
Memorial Events
for Tillman Cornelius
How to support Tillman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tillman Cornelius's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
