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C. Sterling Cornelius

C. Cornelius Obituary

C. STERLING CORNELIUS, 81, born May 1, 1922, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2003. Mr. Cornelius, his brother and parents founded Cornelius Nurseries, which served the Houston community since 1935. Mr. Cornelius served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, 1941-1945, as a 1st Class Torpedo Man. He was campaign manager for Louis Welch, who served five terms as Houston's Mayor; he was a past member of the Presidents Council Houston Baptist University; President of Houston Landscape Nurserymen's Association; President of Texas Association of Nurserymen; Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Texas Certified Nursery Professionals Manual and Examination; member of the Texas Certified Nurserymen's Professional Board; member of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Association of Nurserymen Scholarship and Research Foundation; member of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Board (TALL) which voted to honor him with the "Honorary Vice President and Director Emeritus" award in July, 2002; past member of the Board of Directors for the Houston Chamber of Commerce; current member of the Board of Trustees for CALA, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse; twice received the ARP Award, the Texas Nurseryman's for the most outstanding contribution to the Nursery Industry; the TNLA, Texas Nursery and Landscape Association presented him with a lifetime achievement honor in recognition of his personal dedication to the Green Industry and has presented Mr. Cornelius with every honor that the association gives. He was active in various other civic organizations and an active member of Terrace United Methodist Church. He also served nine years as a Dale Carnegie instructor. He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret and son, Carey. Mr. Cornelius is survived by his children, Charles Cornelius, Craig Cornelius; and grandson, Solomon Shields. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and dearest friends, Maria Kojis and Betty Driver. Friends are invited for visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2003 in the Chapel of J.B. Earthman - Tanglewood Funeral Directors, 5740 San Felipe at Bering Drive. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Terrace United Methodist Church, 1203 Wirt Rd. with Rev. Bill Jenkins, officiating. Interment to follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Candill, Myles Candill, L.P. Kojis, Eddie Russell, Michal Wagner, Jon Kent Cornelius. Honorary pallbearers will be, August Parra, Former Mayor, Louie Welch, and Norman Adams.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 15, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for C. Cornelius

16 Entries

Geraldine Taylor

December 17, 2003

A great loss to his family,friends, Houston and Texas. What an appropriate name of Sterling for he possessed all the great qualities his name signified. May Sterling, Margaret and Carey all rest in peace.

Beverly Hill

December 17, 2003

I was truly blessed to know Sterling and Margaret through Terrace UMC. They both had the rare ability to touch every life they came in contact with and will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers are with their family and take joy in knowing they are together again.

Janie G.

December 16, 2003

There is a christian song..called..Thank you for giving to the Lord..talking about the attributes of giving..and investing in others lives. That was Mr.C. He gave to others, in his kinds words, how he treated you and just being your friend. We use to sit around the conference table and talk about world events. Mr.C you are a gentelman forever.

Julia Thorman

December 16, 2003

Some business men are known for their successes, others for their heart. But few are know for both, Sterling was just such a man. He was also known for the ability to accomplish great feats and his willingness to go out of his way on behalf of others. He will be sorely missed by those of us whose lives he touched and the community he served.

Craig Albiston

December 16, 2003

There are many people who cross our paths as we journey through life. Some of them touch our hearts in a very profound way. Some teach us, believe in us and show us how to be better than what we are. They lift us up. They love us. Mr. C was all that and more.

Ramona Brown

December 16, 2003

I have only known Mr. C for three years, but even in a short time it is amazing what an impact this man can make on your life. I will never forget his kindness and special smile. My heart goes out to all his family and friends.

Leslie Sandel

December 16, 2003

I worked for Mr. C for nine years and he was a wonderful, caring and loving gentleman who always had a kind word for everyone. I love him and will miss seeing his smiling face when I go to the nursery. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven. May God bless his sons, and may they have the peace that comes from knowing that he is in a better place.

Chris Denais

December 15, 2003

I remember thinking how his voice always reminded me of James Garner. Always a hint of humor, but forever dignity and class. I was blessed to have known him and his family and will forever remember his smiling eyes and pleasant nature that drew you closer to him. His passing is a great lose to everyone that knew him and everyone that didn't have the great fortune to.

Nancy Campbell

December 15, 2003

Just last October my coleague & I were prividged to travel from Canada to Huston, to meet Mr. C & learn the secret of his business sucess. In his lovely Texan drawl, & hospitiable manner, he spoke the menaning of true seccess, being the depth of his loving & gentle spirit. I was & remain greatly impressed & send our deepest symapthies Most Sincerly N.Campbell Toronto Ont. Canada

Maria & LP Kojis

December 15, 2003

You were my hero, my inspiration. We will miss you dearly and I am blessed with great memories. I love you..

Maria & LP & Andy

Bobbie & Lucas Denais

December 15, 2003

We were fortunate and blessed to have known Margaret and Sterling for many years. We have such fond memories of the wonderful times we had together at the nursery conventions and at their lake house south of Houston. We were guests in their home on numerous occasions and kept in touch via telephone. When Margaret needed a "Cajun Fix", she would call us here in SW Louisiana. They will be greatly missed by all whose lives they touched and certainly by ours. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family.

Dawn de Clouet

December 15, 2003

Sterling was a unique and rare individual in that he affected every person that he came in contact with. The epitome of class, Sterling was honest, sincere and loyal to his friends. They don't make them like him anymore.

JOYCE RENFRO

December 15, 2003

I was very honored to have met Mr Cornelius on several occasions.Most often when he came to the Ft Worth Office.He would always have a smile on his face.He always had something nice to say,Even when he would call there was always something he would say to me and it would always make me smile or even laugh.I will miss hime very much.But I know that some day I will see him agian.Much Love and Peace go out to the Family.God Bless You all.

Winston Terry Edmonds

December 15, 2003

He was a great man and will be missed by all that got to meet him. His kindness will remain forever...

Charles E & Annette Casley

December 15, 2003

Sterling will be greatly missed by us and all of his friend at Terrace United Methodist Church.

Wendy Andreen

December 15, 2003

Sterling epitomized strength of character, wisdom, leadership, compassion, faith, and love. I am blessed for having known Sterling and Margaret. God's peace.

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