Jeffery Raye Cornelius

Jeffery Raye Cornelius, affectionately known as "Big Jeff" and lovingly called "Baye" by his children, entered eternal rest on August 26, 2025, in his hometown of Thornton,Arkansas. He was born on February 28, 1961, at Dallas County Hospital in Fordyce, Arkansas, to the late Bobby D. and Dorothy Sue Cornelius.

On February 28, 1986, Jeffery married the love of his life, Jackie Cornelius. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith, and were blessed with two daughters, Candace and Katlin. Jeffery's family was the center of his world. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Jackie; his children Antonio Cornelius of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bridgett (Marcus) Johnson of Little Rock, AR, Candace (Jermekio) Barlow of Fairfield, CA, and Katlin Cornelius of Thornton, AR; and his beloved grandchildren Ethan and Wyatt Harris of Thornton, AR, Jayleigh and Jackson (Arriving Soon) Barlow of Fairfield,CA, Aubriana, Katlin, and Anessa Cornelius of Fayetteville, AR, Royal, Israel, and Eden Springs of Little Rock, AR, and Tramere Cornelius of Chicago, IL. They lovingly knew him as PaPa, a role he embraced with boundless love and joy.

Jeffery also leaves behind his siblings Roxsel (Wanda) Chavis of Fordyce, AR, Bobby Cornelius of Thornton, AR, Donna (Joe) Shields of Pine Bluff, AR, Beverly Cornelius of Thornton, AR, and Theresa Borkins of Pine Bluff, AR, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by siblings Micheal Canada, Kennith Cornelius, and Debra Cornelius.

Jeffery worked faithfully for many years at Georgia Pacific before retiring. He was well known among his coworkers for his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering love for the Miami Dolphins and Arkansas Razorbacks.

A man of faith, Jeffery was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Thornton. His faith was not defined by weekly church attendance but by his personal relationship with God - a relationship reflected in how he lived his life and loved others.

Jeffery had a deep love for the simple joys of life. He enjoyed watching football and any competitive sport, grilling and smoking meats, tending to his garden, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. Above all, he cherished time with his children and grandchildren, who will forever remember him as a loving father, "Baye," and PaPa.

A memorial service celebrating Jeffery's life will be held at a later date. His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.

Services entrusted to Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR.

Obituary submitted by The Family