Patricia Kay Cornell

Patricia Kay Cornell, affectionately known as "Nana," was called home on September 23, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on July 30, 1940, in, Houston, Texas, Patricia embodied a spirit full of love, creativity, and passion that radiated warmth to all who knew her.

Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose life was centered around her family. Patricia married her high school sweetheart, Walter Lee "Walty" Cornell, in 1958 and were happily married for 63 wonderful years until Walter's passing in 2021. She deeply cherished her children, Becky Mills and her husband Lee, Robin Pruitt and her husband Charlie, and Rodney Cornell and his wife Tanya. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Ryan Mills and his wife April, Corey Mills and his wife Brittnee, Chase Pruitt, Camren Cornell, Blake Breneman, and Makenzy Cornell. As a loving great-grandmother, she found joy in cherished moments with Brayden Mills, Aniston Mills, Ethan Mills, and Pyper Mills. Her legacy of love will forever resonate within the hearts of her many other loving family members and a host of treasured friends.

Patricia was a remarkable woman with many talents and interests. Her passion for family was most evident as she enjoyed taking her children to skating competitions, nurturing their dreams and aspirations. A gifted seamstress, she spent countless hours creating beautiful costumes for her loved ones, instilling a sense of creativity and resourcefulness. Her love of gardening brought life and color to her surroundings, and she found joy in simple pleasures like attending fish fries, where laughter and camaraderie thrived.

Patricia's competitive spirit shone brightly in everything she pursued, always setting goals and propelling herself toward them. In 1957, Patricia co-founded the Aldine High School Vaqueras drill team, which still lives on today. While she may have been directionally challenged, she navigated life with determination and grace, continually making the most of every moment. Most notably, her ever-present companion, her beloved dog Shane, brought her immense joy, symbolizing her boundless capacity for love. In their later years, Patricia and her husband Walter enjoyed selling local honey at craft shows. Even after Walter's passing, Patricia continued the legacy of selling honey. Patricia's unwavering dedication to her family and friends fostered loving relationships that will be remembered and cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Patricia entered into rest after her parents, K.A. Cockrell and Edna Mimmie Luker; her husband, Walter Lee “Walty” Cornell; and her siblings, Jimmy Cockrell and Barbara Watkins.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Patricia's life at Neal Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM, where we will gather together to honor and remember the vibrant spirit of Patricia Kay Cornell, our beloved Nana, who touched so many lives with her boundless love and kindness.