Cornelius Beale Mason Jr.

Cornelius Beale Mason, Jr., known affectionately as, Nealy or Neal, was born to Cornelius Mason, Sr. and Margaret Ellen Frazier, on December 20, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland. Neal was raised by his paternal grandparents along with his aunt, Bernice Mason, in Towson, MD, where he attended the public school system. He graduated from Towson High School in 1967. While in high school, Nealy was active in various activities, which included the Towson High School basketball team, and singing as a tenor in the school choir. Nealy enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968, and was deployed to Viet Nam during the war, where he served as a Fuel Specialist, and was promoted to SGT. In August 1970. On April 4, 1970, prior to his deployment, Neal married his high school sweetheart, Verna Wright (Peaches), and on August 7, 1972, they welcomed their daughter, Dayna Marie Mason, into the world. Neal served the remaining years of his enlistment stationed at Dover Delaware, where he was honorably discharged from the Air Force on April 14, 1972. Following his tour of duty in Viet Name, Neal, like many returning veterans, had difficulty adjusting to life at home. It was the Grace of God, hard work, and determination, that enabled him to pull his life back together. Over time, with the love and patience of his family, Neal began experiencing renewed happiness and peace of mind. Nealy enjoyed landscaping and for many years was employed by another veteran friend as they happily manicured the lawns throughout various neighborhoods. On October 27, 1977, Neal became a father again, this time to a son, Neal Mason. While he was able, Neal enjoyed traveling with family through different states and to family reunions. Nealy, was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and six siblings: Margaret Mason, Dennis Mason, Corey Mason, Maureen Mason, Debra Frazier, and George Frazier. Left to honor his memory are his wife, Verna Wright Mason, and his children, Dayna Mason Hardy, Neal Mason, and Miriam Whye, who he considered as his own. Also surviving Nealy are his thirteen grandchildren: Ashli McMichael, Amberlynne Wallace, Alexis Hardy, Brian Hardy, Jr., Anya Hardy, A'Mari Sollers, Nina Mason, Xavier Halle-Mason, Nas Mason, Neal Mason, Tanaihy Whye, Elijah Lofton, Nathaniel Jackson, and eight great-grandchildren. In addition, Neal is survived by seven sisters: Beverly Mason Majors, Sandra Mason Beckham, JoAnn Mason Tyson, Shelley Mason Frazier, Donna Mason Sanders, Brittany Mason Hogan, and Lillian Frazier. Three brothers: Gregory Mason, John Mason Sr., and Miles H. Mason. Nealy is also survived by Kitty Lee Cannon, who he grew up with, and was more like a sister than cousin. Nealy leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cornelius, please visit our floral store.