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Cornelia Wallace
Cornelia Wallace
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Cornelia Wallace Obituary
Wallace's cousin, Melissa Boyen, said the former first lady died Thursday from cancer.
Cornelia Wallace was the niece of two-term Gov. James E. "Big Jim" Folsom. The dark-haired beauty, known simply as "C'nelia," married George Wallace on Jan. 4, 1971 — just days before he began his second term as governor. It was the second marriage for both.
The union marked a merger between Alabama's two most famous political families and surprised some because George Wallace had defeated Jim Folsom in the 1962 race for governor and the relationship between the two governors had been strained since then.
Cornelia Wallace was a socially active first lady known for her lively personality. But for many, the most lasting memory of her occurred on May 15, 1972.
She was accompanying her husband on the Democratic campaign trial for president when Arthur Bremer shot him four times at a campaign rally in Laurel, Md. A news camera captured photos of Cornelia Wallace throwing herself over her husband's body to shield him as he lay bleeding in a shopping center parking lot.
"She's etched in Alabamians' memory because of the tragedy of that," said Joe Turnham, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.
William Stewart, a longtime political scientist at the University of Alabama, said he remains impressed by her bravery during the shooting and her loyalty to her husband during his long recovery from the wounds that left his legs paralyzed.
"I don't know if he would have made it without her," Stewart said. "She was totally devoted to him. It was beautiful to see."
Turnham recalled that as first lady, she urged Alabamians to plant vegetable gardens to be more self-reliant. To help her make her point, his father, former state Rep. Pete Turnham, D-Auburn, and others joined her in planting a vegetable garden in the back yard of the Governor's Mansion in Montgomery.
The Wallaces divorced in 1978, amid claims she had bugged his phone in the Governor's Mansion. She entered the Democratic primary for governor in 1978 but never campaigned hard and finished last among the 13 candidates. She later moved to central Florida to be near her sons from her previous marriage.
In 1997, Turner Network Television made "George Wallace" and cast actress Angelina Jolie to portray Cornelia Wallace. The role earned Jolie a Golden Globe award for best supporting actress in a TV movie or miniseries, but Wallace criticized the script for portraying her as a shallow sex kitten.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Survivors include a brother, Charles Ellis of Elba; and her sons, James Snively of Lake Placid, Fla., and Joshua Snively of Winter Haven, Fla.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
54 Entries
October 18, 2017
I am reading this news years after the date Cornelia died, however I have wonderful memories of her from my childhood. My sister and I attended a girl's camp in Alabama in the late 1950's or maybe 1960 and the highlight of this experience was that Cornelia taught waterskiing and ukulele to anyone who cared to be involved. She was so much fun and gave me a love of music that I have carried with me through my life. She was a remarkable woman and I feel it was such a happy accident for me to have spent time with her. I am sorry for your loss.
Susan Marlatt
Parksville, BC, Canada
Paula Pow
June 28, 2013
I was eight years old when Gov. George Wallace was shot in 1972, and the image of his courageous wife Cornelia shielding him from further harm is forever burned into my memory. In the days and weeks that followed the shooting, I became absolutely captivated by Cornelia and the rest of the family as they coped and helped him to cope with his injuries. She truly loved him through his recovery, and made a huge impression on me. I only learned last week that we'd lost this dear lady in 2009, and I wish with all my heart that I could have met her.
April 2, 2010
For Cornellia...a woman of
great courage.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Joann Sovelenko
January 24, 2009
I was sorry to hear about the death of Cornelia. I have an autograph of her and George Wallace. They were attending the inaugural ball of President Jimmy Carter at the Washington Hilton. I immediately recognized them and have their autographs.
I thought the family may be interested in the following additional genealogy information.
Note: Cornelia Ellis and her husband, John Andrew Snively III, are 14C1R.
Common Ancestors:
Sir William Brandon II & Elizabeth Wingfield
13GGrandparents of Cornelia Ellis
27GGrandparents of John Andrew Snively III
Also the two sons of Cornelia may be interesting in knowing about this ancestor of their father:
Elizabeth Wasburn writes: "Johann Jacob came to America with his father and brother about 1715; all three were naturalized by a blanket decree of the Lt. Governer on October 14, 1729. They settled in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA, about two miles northeast of the city of Lancaster. Here he married a few years later, though there is no record of this marriage nor the name of his wife. She died probably about 1734/1735." From "The History of Franklin County": "Jacob Snively, a native of Switzerland, born December 21, 1694, who is the founder of the Snively family in Franklin County. Coming here in 1734, he bought land in 1734, about two miles northeast of Greencastle in a bee line, the same year building a log house. He first bought 500 acres to which he afterward added some 1000 acres more."
Came to Pennsylvania with his father and settled in Lancaster County, but he crossed the Susquehanna and moved westward at a very early period. He was one of the first settlers in the Conococheague Valley, taking up a large tract of land in what is now Antrim Twp., Franklin County, east of Greencastle. It is claimed that he built his cabin in 1734, on the site of the stone mansion built by his son Andrew in 1781, and now owned and occupied by Adam B. Zarger, Esq. The Rev. Michael Schlatter, the father of the Reformed Church in the United States, visited him there, in 1749, speaking of him as an "honest Swiss."
This line goes back to Rudolfus Von Lunkhofen born in 1132. Rudolfus Von Lunkhofen is the 23GGrandfather of John Andres Snively III.
Both John Andres Snively III and Cornelis Ellis are related to most of the Presidents of the United States and their spouses, other politicians, industralists, quite a few movie stars, sports stars, TV announcers, Signers of the Dec. of Independence, Mayflower passengers, various royalty all over Europe including Emperors and Tsars.
How you can show support
Maureen Cheston
January 20, 2009
Jim and Family,
Words hold no match for all those thoughts that run through our souls at a time like this, but please accept my sincere sympathies in the loss of your wonderful Mother. May her loving memories live forever within you.
Maureen Cheston
Edward Massengill
January 14, 2009
Around 1967 I made several business trips from Massachusetts to Montgomery. A cousin of Cornelia’s introduced me to her and Ruby. As a southerner who now lived in the north, we lived in two totally different worlds. But they embraced me like a long-lost relative. Every time I came to Montgomery, they would have me over for dinner and, after eating, we would gather around the piano and sing southern gospel music.
Ruby and Cornelia were two of the most friendly and loving people I have ever met. There was never any pretention and I always felt that they were as interested in me as I was in them.
Despite more than 70 years of beautiful memories few compare with those warm Montgomery evenings with Ruby and Cornelia. I hope with all my heart to see them again.
Rest in peace my beautiful friends.
www.emassengill.com
Click on Dinner with Cornelia
Dorothy Whitaker
January 14, 2009
Dear Jack, Josh and Jim,
Jack, I remember you from before your birth as I spent time with Sally. You were late in arrival and Hanie (Your dad's mother) walked your mom from your home to hers along the Cypress Gardens Road in hopes of bring you) !!! Many of us stopped in disbelief to offer a ride and ask why they were out there, only to REALLY irritate Hanie!! She waved her arms and shouted to us to gooooooooooooooo !!!
Many are my memories of your mom, Cornelia, and you as young boys.... Good memories! Jim and Josh, I remember you from birth through your toddler years.
ALL THREE of you boys had a WONDERFUL MOTHER! Cornelia was a beautiful lady inside and out, always thinking of how to help and enchorage you boys and those around her. A true model for those of us to follow.
Upon arriving at your door, she most graciously greeted the caller. We were welcomed in and visited with her AND you boys as you willingly shared your toys with us.
Every time I set our table with silver, I think of your mom - who else would be so thoughtful as to select a tomato server for a wedding gift?
This is a difficult time when you must rest your minds in her guidance and your fond memories.
I am very much aware that just knowing Cornelia has enabled me to be a better person.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you and your families.
My love to each one of you,
DoDe Bissett Whitaker
Dorothy DeHaven Bissett Whitaker
(granddaughter of Florence Eva DeHaven Greene) {sister of Hanie - Dorothy DeHaven Snively - Mrs. John Andrew Snively}
Lynne
January 13, 2009
I would like to send my condolences to all the family members of Miss Cornelia.
I had the pleasure of knowing her for many years. I worked for some of her physicians who cared for her. I always enjoyed her appointments for she was always full of life. She would often come early for her appointments and I would sit and listen to her amazing stories.
As a younger generation, she gave me comfort in knowing that in this somewhat unforgiving world, a wonderful, fullfilling life can be gotten.
She will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her!!!!
My prayers go out to her sons and family.
God Bless and may you never forget what a beautiful soul and wonderful person she was.
k f
January 13, 2009
sorry for your loss
Rik Roloff
January 13, 2009
Thanks for being an American.
Debra Scott
January 12, 2009
May the love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, comfort you in your time of grief.
Debra Ellis Bancroft
January 12, 2009
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the children and family members of Cornelia. I was saddened to learn that Cornelia, who was my Second Cousin on her father's side, had passed away. Cornelia's father, Charlie Ellis, was my grandfather's, Grady Ellis, brother. I will always remember the fun we had at the Ellis Family Reunions when Cornelia would attend with Uncle Charlie along with her brother Charles and mother Ruby. It has been a long time since I have visited with Cornelia as an adult but I do remember when she taught me how to twirl the baton as a child and how excited I was to learn. I wish we could have been closer cousins. Cornelia will be sadly missed and I hope that her children will have wonderful and everlasting memories of their mother. Cornelia's love and grace will go on forever. She was a beautiful person.
Beppy Tiller
January 12, 2009
Jim andJosh,
I am so sorry to here about your mother. Richard Gordon is my son and understand that he and Mark Crew talked with Josh recently. We all have such fond memories of you all. Your mother was always there at Trinity School helping with anything. She was delightful person and a joy to know. You are in my prayers and always in my heart.
Blessings, Beppy Cason Tiller
DeDe Lewis
January 12, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Ms.Cornelia's passing, I found her to be a fascinating southern lady at all times. I only knew her in the past 7 years but felt I had known her a lefetime she was a wonderful woman. I especially enjoyed reading her book as she was a very good arthor as well as many other great talents. She will be greatly missed by all!
David A.(Duffy) ORSBURN
January 12, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
January 12, 2009
Sorry to hear of your lose. I never had the pleasure of meeting Cornelia but remember my mother speaking of her years ago growing up in Elba. My mother was born and raised there and still have some family living there she was a Hawkins. You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time. Linda Wallace Berger, Wellington Kansas
Linda Wallace Berger
January 12, 2009
Sorry to hear of your lose. I never had the pleasure of meeting Cornelia but remember my mother speaking of her years ago growing up in Elba. My mother was born and raised there and still have some family living there she was a Hawkins. You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time.
Janice Berg
January 12, 2009
She was a lovely, beautiful lady. She will be missed.
TOM REEDER"
January 12, 2009
I WAS SORRY TO HEAR THAT MISS C'NELIA HAD PASSED....I WAS WITH SHE AND GOV. WALLACE IN MARYLAND THAT S A D DAY...I SHALL NEVER FORGET IT....I STILL MISS GOV. WALLACE AND NOW I WIIL MISS THE GREAT FORMER FIRST LADY.....MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY....YOUR 'OL FRIEND, TOM REEDER
Michael and Janice Hinshaw
January 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Ms Wallace was a strength in Alabama when we all needed her most. I often had the chance of speaking with her in Elba where my grandparents lived. The last time I was in Elba I left on Cornelia Wallace Blvd and to this day I always felt special traveling on a roadway named for such a special Lady.
Laverne Ewer
January 12, 2009
I knew Cornelia when she was a
beautiful young person in Elba. We went to school together and had many fun times.
I remember her with much love and affection.
Sincerely,
Laverne Perkins Ewer
Sincerely,
P,C Stewart
January 12, 2009
Our condolences go out to the family of Cornelia Wallace.May the God of all comfort be with your family and give you peace and comfort 2Corinthians 1:3,4.
Priscilla Andrews
January 11, 2009
My most deepest sympathies to Ms. C'nelia's family. I remember her well and admired her for her Southern charm and her dedication to the State in such dire circumstances.
I also remember her beauty as a professional skiier. May God comfort you all and give you strength in the years ahead without her presence. She is in the arms of our Lord.
Fran Skeltob
January 11, 2009
Deepest symapthy to the Wallace family. I never met her but always liked reading about her and the governor. I found them to be intriguing and delightful people.
Clifford Watson
January 11, 2009
We had not seen Cornelia since Ruby's funeral - but in past years she had visited with us when we lived in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. She was a very beautiful lady,outgoing and fun to be with. My husband is Betty Joyce Ellis's brother. We were so sorry to hear of her passing.
Cliff and Nancy Watson
Lake Seminole, Georgia
Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)
January 11, 2009
Rest in peace.
William Urban
January 10, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Cornelia Wallace in late 1972, about six month's after the attempt on her husband's life and nearly two years after I returned from my tour of duty in Vietnam. It was while visiting the State Capital in Montgomery.
I asked her if it would be possible to pay a short visit to the Governor, who was still in office and shake his hand. I did not expect to have my request granted. The Governors bodyguards were at this time, still in a heightened state of apprehension following the attack on her husband's life, six month's earlier.
Maybe my being in military uniform helped. Cornelia was a very gracious First Lady of Alabama and very nice, cheerful and polite to me and generously granted my request. I will always treasure those few moment's of our meeting and now express my deepest sympathy to her family and my sincere wish that she may rest in "Peace".
William P. Urban
SGT US Army
PO2 US Navy
Vietnam 1970
Yom Kippur 1974
Retired
Luann Corby Owens
January 10, 2009
Dear Josh, Jim, and Jack,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God's Heavenly Garden
Sometimes God picks the flower that is still in full bloom; sometimes the rosebud's chosen that we feel He's picked too soon.
Sometimes the flower is fading with petals floating down, but God knows the perfect time to gather flowers from the ground.
There is a heavenly garden in which God takes great pleasure, because He's placed within it the loved ones that we treasure.
He walks among the blossoms giving them eternal rest, and I know that it must please Him because He chose my very best.
Mrs Dena Pratt
January 10, 2009
PEACE AT LAST, AND GOD'S EVERLASTING LOVE TO MISS C'NELIA.
Eldon Merritt
January 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dot Gatlin Merritt
January 10, 2009
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mom. Cornelia attend Elba High School with me. She was one sweet, beautiful and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers with be with her family during this difficult time.
God Bless!
Sarah Smith
January 10, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family,
I had never met Cornelia,even though we shared the same aspirations...I feel as though I had known her.
My heart goes out to the children.
Olga Watkins
January 10, 2009
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 1998-2009
Nancy Dill
January 10, 2009
Cornelia and I shared many nice conversations during her stay with us at The Hawthorne Inn. She was a special lady and I will miss her smile. May she rest in peace.
Reed Family
January 10, 2009
Family of Ms. Cornelia
Someone you have dearly loved for years have died. The loss seem more than you can bear. Tears flow unrestrained from your eyes.
God"s word promise: His ears are toward your cry for help. He is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
May these words give you all a measure of comfort to endure in this time of such deep sorrow.
SHEILA SMITH
January 10, 2009
A life well-lived. Rest in Peace Cornelia.
trisha jenkins
January 9, 2009
my deepest sympathies to the family of my friend . I came to love her.
she is at peace now.
Claudetta Walker/Morgan
January 9, 2009
Rest in Peace Ms Cornelia. I never got to thank you in person for the beautiful engraved letter opener you sent me for my high school graduation, so I want to tell you now. I know you are looking down on your family during this very sad time for them. May God give each of you the Peace only He is able to provide.
Win F. Gordon
January 9, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mourners
January 9, 2009
What a tragic end to such a loyal woman. Ms. Wallace is now in God's memory with the hope of living at a time when sickness and death will be things of the past.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, and may you continue to draw comfort and strength from God's Word.
Sincerely,
Ida Baker
January 9, 2009
To the Family of a Great LADY MyHusband and met her and her great husband back in the 70,s A great lost Ida M Baker
Steven Jackson
January 9, 2009
Miss Cornelia,
Mrs.Lurleen and Yourself.
Were the Best People of the Wallace Years.
We still remember you both, Fondly.
Great Southern Ladies.
Sincerely,
D. ZIMMERMAM
January 9, 2009
REST IN PEACE CORNELIA WALLACE
Sue Helton
January 9, 2009
You have my deepest sympathy. Cornelia lived her life with great energy. She was my friend and I hope she has found peace. She was a lovely lady.
Thomas K. and Lynda Jimmerson
January 9, 2009
Family of Cornelia Wallace:
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Ms. Cornelia. Look to the LORD your GOD for strength and He will see you through. We wish blessing on you and yours for now and always. May GOD bless and keep you now and for ever.
Love in "CHRIST"
Thomas K. and Lynda Jimmerson
Besty Black
January 9, 2009
She was agreat woman of my era and stood behind and on her man no matter what happpened I hope she's in a Happy place now and God Bless Her
January 9, 2009
January 9, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Evelyn
January 9, 2009
To the Family: My Husband and I would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We have often found comfort from reflecting on what is written at John 5:28,29. We sincerely hope this thought will bring a measure of comfort and hope to your family.
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