Cynthia Cornish Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services at Alpine Road on Oct. 21, 2025.
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Cynthia Loretta Cornish, fondly known to many as "Mama" and to others as"Hollywood", was born on August 23, 1958, in Pontiac, South Carolina. She was the thirteenth and youngest child of Mason and Marandy Wilson Hudson. As her father lovingly said, she was "the last button on Abraham Lincoln's jacket".
Rooted in a family of deep Christian faith, she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age, was baptized in His name, and remained steadfast in her praise to Him throughout her life. When the doctors counted her out, she knew exactly who to call on - Jesus, and she always put her trust in the Almighty God.
Cynthia was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1976, and she was previously married to John Melton Cornish, Sr, with whom she shared five beloved children.
Cynthia was a God-fearing woman and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, companion, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She began her professional journey as a manager at McDonald's and latermanaged several gas stations, where she developed her strong work ethic and leadership skills. An entrepreneur at heart, she went on to lease a Chevron station on Lane Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida. Following in the footsteps of many in her family, she later pursued her passion for cooking. Cynthia became one of the first food truck owners in Jacksonville, Florida, and went on to open Cynthia's One Bite Delight Restaurant in Jacksonville. Her culinary journey continued with the opening of Marandy's Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, and later Cynthia's Bite in Junction City, Kansas. One of her proudest accomplishments as a chef was being featured on Bizarre Foods on the Food Network (Season 1, Episode 8), where her talent and creativity were showcased to a national audience.
Cynthia was united in partnership with Willie L. Daniels for over 30 years. He was a devoted companion who remained by her side until her transition.
Cynthia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She found great joy in giving back and helping others, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Her home was a safe haven-a place for a fresh start or a good home-cooked meal. Cynthia's heart was loving, generous, and full of compassion; there was nothing she wouldn't do for her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping at Ross and spending cherished moments with her beloved Willie and family.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents Mason and Marandy Wilson Hudson, daughters: Mirandy Nicole Cornish and JuJuana Yvette Re'nee Cornish, grandson: Dajuan Mason Cornish, ten siblings: Hampton Hudson, Melvin Hudson, Ronnie Hudson, Willie Hudson, Leroy Hudson, Clarence Hudson, Lina Bennett, Earline Jackson, Florence Black, and Varnetta Hudson Samuel.
Left to cherish precious memories are: her loving companion, Willie L Daniels; her beloved children: John Melton Cornish, Jr., Mason Edward Cornish and Florence Breanka Cornish; five grandchildren, Madason Juanna Marandy Cornish, Daimar Elijah Cornish, Mason Edward John Cornish Jr, Kingston Isaiah Mitchell, Kingsley Ishmael "Bubba" Cornish; one great grandchild, Kason S. Cornish; two sisters, Isabel Lawhorn and Lovinia McKeever; devoted, loving and special niece Sabrina Samuel Riley, special great nephew Harry Samuel; special great niece, Varentta Ericka Dandrea Singletary; forever daughters- Dawn Marie Cornish and Latisha Cobb-Mackey; godchildren-Sheere Harvin, Lekesha Harvin;, Ronnie "Papa" Washington; close friends, Rhonda Fason, Cynthia Ann Johnson, Emily Duggins; Colestine Green, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loving customers.
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