Doris Cornelius

Doris Jean McAfee Cornelius

Sunrise: August 15, 1960 ``` Sunset: July 30, 2018

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night cometh when no one can work. John 9:4

The above scripture epitomizes the life of Doris Jean (aka: Coot, Castleberry, and C-bug) McAfee Cornelius.  On August 15, 1960, in the afternoon in Berrien Springs, Michigan, she entered this world a bawling, screaming and feisty baby girl to the union of the late Rev. Milton P. McAfee and Pearl McAfee. Doris was the life of her parents and siblings. She possessed a sharp tongue, a sense of humor, and yet a kind and generous spirit. Doris was inquisitive and often would be found chasing and antagonizing one of Uncle John’s roosters, who did not favor her attention, and repaid her in a most unfortunate way. As the eight of nine children, she was spoiled but not selfish. Doris was known to give you her last.

Doris attended and graduated from Eau Claire Public Schools. She was an avid track runner. In 1977, she and four of her McAfee cousins, Angela, Bonita, Christine and Ruthy set a Girls Track Record in the 400-meter relay. As of today, this record has not been broken. Doris attended Western Michigan University for two years. Doris was always working and helping others. Her favorite place of employment was with LADD Inc., where she worked as a medical coordinator for high functioning disabled adults.

At an early age, Doris confessed her hope in Christ and remained a faithful servant until her health failed her. She was a devoted wife and mother, one who always put her family first, and that her children were given the best she could provide, in loving care, spiritual nourishments and material comforts. Doris was a member of the choir(s). She began singing with the Children’s Choir, Angelics, and the Mass Choir.  She served as choir director and faithful member. In addition, she served on the Mission Society and the Mother’s Board. Doris remained a faithful member of the New Bethel Baptist Church until her health failed her.  In April of 1986, Doris was united in marriage to the late Kelvin Cornelius. Kelvin accepted Tara as his own, and later he and Doris became the parents to two sons, Kelvin and De’Shaun Cornelius.

The memories of Doris will always be dear to our hearts. We will forever remember her sharp tongue, her winning smile, and her giving spirit. More importantly, we will remember her love of family and the pride she had in her children and how they remained with the church. Yes, we shall mourn her passing, but we will rejoice in knowing that she is safe in the arms of God. No more suffering, heartaches, and pain. She is at rest. We believe that God has taken her to a home more beautiful than any home we have ever known. She gave her all to Him and for her family, he gave to her, and now she is added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision, Heaven.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Tara (Warren) Sanders; two sons, Kelvin Terrance Cornelius, and De’Shaun Cornelius. Two grandchildren, Cameron Prinice Sanders and Mia Noelle Cornelius. Her mother, Pearlie Cole McAfee; five sisters, Alzenia Crumble, Jannie Kiser, Jackie (Clarence) Hart, Marie (Paul) Oberholtzer, and Vera Holmes. Three brothers; Lenon (Gwen) McAfee, Donald C. (Debra)McAfee, and Steve McAfee. Three nephews that were raised with her as brothers, Dennis (Caitlyn) Davis, Scott (Tawny) Coburn and Rev. Maurice L. (Garcia) McAfee, and a special sister-in-law, Rose Ewell.  Doris is survived by her in-laws, the Cornelius family. In addition to a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and her caregivers. She was preceded in death by her father, the late Pastor Milton P. McAfee, a son Vernon Darius Clark; her husband Kelvin Cornelius, her paternal grandparents, Henry McAfee and Alberta McAfee Lovelace, her maternal grandparents, Willie and Maud Cole. In addition, her mother-in-law, Lucinda Monroe, her father-in-law Robert Cornelius Jr and a brother-in-law, Philip Cornelius preceded her in death.

Doris has finished her course, she is now offered up for her crown. Take your rest, Doris. You deserve it. Our hearts are heavy, and we shall miss you. We are left with fond memories and our praise to our God, who lent her to us for fifty-seven years.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Robbins Brother Funeral Home. Legacy services will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018, at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 2360 Townline Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Final services will begin at 11:00 am. 

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