Marianne Elizabeth "Porter" Cornett

Marianne Elizabeth Porter Cornett passed away January 30, 2026. She was born to Chester and Ann Porter on May 14, 1936, in Dayton, Ohio. As a young girl and woman, Marianne studied the piano for many years and won multiple awards as a virtuoso pianist. She attended the University of Dayton to pursue her bachelor's degree, and she marched as a baton twirler for the University of Dayton Flyerettes. Marianne held a bachelor's degree in medical technology and worked for years in the lab doing important cancer research before returning to graduate school to earn her master's degree in education. For several years she was the Director of the school of medical technology at St. Elizabeth's medical center where she taught college seniors chemistry and hematology, and she was much loved by her students, many of whom became lifelong friends. Marianne returned to the lab in the later part of her career and became an expert in the field of hematology and blood banking, helping to save the lives of countless patients by tailoring blood transfusion matching. Marianne loved herb and flower gardening, and cooking. As a young woman she enjoyed crochet and counted cross stitch but later discovered a love of quilting. She was a talented quilter who made beautiful complex quilt designs. Marianne was a brilliant woman with a beautiful soul, a vibrant personality, and a quick wit. Marianne loved her children and grandchildren and was the best mother and grandmother anyone could ever wish for. She taught her grandchildren cooking, sewing, needlework, knitting, crocheting and so much more. She loved to take her grandchildren all around Chattanooga to explore the regional hiking, museums and aquarium, the Big Much toy store, the Carousel and more. Marianne adored her beloved husband of 61 years, Marvin. She was loved and admired by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and she will be greatly missed.

Marianne was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin David Cornett; her father, Chester Porter and mother, Ann Sedlak Porter.

Marianne leaves behind two children, Marissa Fiore of Newnan, Ga. and Craig Cornett of Athens, Ohio. One brother Charles and Kathleen Porter of Bradenton, Florida. Four wonderful grandchildren, Natalie Camrud (Aaron) Thomas, Anneliese Camrud, Estrella Cornett and Lola Cornett. Niece Michele Porter Christensen and nephew Christian Porter.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 4, at 8:00 am cst. with funeral service to follow at 9:00 am cst. Marianne will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN. at 11:00 am cst. (12 est.)

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude to her caregivers for being by her side 24 hours a day during her last years. (Christine Hogwood, Terry Haag, Devin Easterly, Tina Pryor, Charlotte Smith, and former caregivers April Prince, Shirley Magouirk and Jeannie Sexton.)

Arrangements are entrusted by Jasper Memorial Funeral Home 150 Cornerstone Drive Jasper, TN. 37347

423-942-7777.