Richmond, Virginia
CORNWALL, Joan J., 74, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2012 at her residence in Richmond, Virginia. She was born on September 16, 1937 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the only child of the late Dr. Leonard Z. Johnson and Marion (Parker) Johnson. She is survived by her ex-husband, Harold W. Cornwall; her two sons, Douglas A. Cornwall and Harold R. Cornwall; and a daughter-in-law, Vikki W. Cornwall. Joan spent her formative years growing up in Washington D.C. She attended Dunbar H.S., graduating with honors and establishing a close-knit circle of friends which lasted a lifetime. Joan was an adamant believer in education, having graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Chemistry in 1959 and received a M.B.A. from Columbia University in 1962. She started her professional career at Young & Rubicam in New York City. Throughout her ground breaking career she would hold various marketing research positions for companies such as Colgate Palmolive, American Home Products and the Nestle Company. She retired as the director of Market Research and Marketing Communications at the Monsanto Company in St. Louis Mo. in 1993.
A resident of Richmond since 1994, Joan truly enjoyed her retirement years filled with worldwide travel and dedicated involvement in the arts. When not exploring distant corners of the world with friends and family, she pursued her many other passions. Joan was a docent at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as well as actively involved with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League. She also enjoyed Richmond's art scene and collected paintings from local artists. Joan was a wonderful friend and neighbor to many. We will forever miss her "can do" spirit, enthusiasm and zest for life. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. There will be a memorial service at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23221, (804) 355-0777, on Saturday, February 4, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions may be made to the Cullather Brain Tumor & Quality of Life Center or the National Brain Tumor Society.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Seeing Joan at High School class reunions always made me feel as though no time at all had passed since we had walked the halls of Dunbar together. Her presence also reminded me of all the wonderful talent and the success stories that had come out of Dunbar's class of '55. I still see her laughing and chatting at our last reunion activity and remember how special it felt because she was there.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Seon
February 08, 2012 | Yellow Springs, OH
Joan hired me and became my first boss, and continuing mentor, at Monsanto. She was so proud of her boys and we met a couple times while she lived in Richmond. Her spirit was forever positive and she always had a twinkle of laughter in her eyes. I gained from her advice, counsel and guidance. All who knew her understand our loss.
Stan Sutliff
February 06, 2012
She was a great lady, and a kind and generous friend. I know she will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Laura Dunham
February 06, 2012 | St. Paul, MN
We are heartbroken on the loss of our dear and beloved Joan. The entire Murphy family will miss her warmth, her smile and her generous heart. On behalf of the entire family, our condolences to Harold, Douglas, Harold III, and Vickie.
Joan Cornwall Murphy
February 03, 2012 | Sandwhich, MA
This is the saddest news. I have so many memories of Joan's kindness and graciousness and loyalty. She was a bright light and the world seems so much dimmer now. But knowing Joan's intrepid spirit and quenchless curiosity, I bet she sees this as a new adventure to be explored and savored. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Linda Dunham
February 03, 2012 | Richmond, VA
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League has lost a dear member. Joan was a valuable volunteer for the League on many occasions and was always a pleasure with whom to work. We were saddened to learn of the serious illness she had been experiencing and send our sincere sympathy to her two sons and daughter-in-law.
Joyce Clemmons, President, Richmond Symphony Orchestra League
February 02, 2012
We at the Cullather Center were so blessed to have met Mrs. Cornwall. She, even in the face of serious illness, was lovely and gracious. Our hearts go out to her devoted sons who have stood by her without waiver. We remain here to support you all.
In deepest sympathy,
Sherry Fox
Director, Cullather Center
5875 Bremo Road
MOBS, Suite 108
Richmond, Va. 23226
804-287-7809
Sherry Fox
February 02, 2012 | Richmond, VA
