Wilma Jean Cornwell

Wilma Jean Cracraft Cornwell passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16th at the age of 97. She was a long-time member of the Fairview Methodist Church. Wilma Jean was a woman of strong faith who recently said she was, “ready and excited to go home”. In a conversation not long-ago she happily exclaimed, “Oh, I just get the shivers thinking about being with the Lord”. Wilma Jean always put her family first. In her younger years she tirelessly cared for her husband John Franklin Cornwell and her four sons John, Jim, Bob, and Tom. As her family grew, she lovingly welcomed her daughters-in-law Carol (John), Debby (Jim), and Wendy (Tom). She loved becoming a grandmother as her six grandchildren, Stephen, Leah, Jimmy, Brittany, Emily, and Holly arrived. In her later years, she could hardly believe the wonderful blessing of 11 great-grandchildren. A life-long resident of Bloomington, growing up on First Street, Wilma Jean was the daughter of Vada and Bertha Cracraft. She had six siblings, Vasel, Russell, Mildred, Betty, Thelma, and Delores. After she and John married in 1947, they built a house on South Rogers Street where they started their family. In 1960 they purchased 23 acres west of Bloomington. They, with the help of their young sons, cleared the land and built a beautiful home on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside and neighboring farms. The house was surrounded by trees and flowers, vegetable gardens, and horse pastures. Wilma Jean took great pleasure in the home she had created for her family. Wilma Jean was high-energy. At only five feet, she was small in size, but large in stature. She was a woman of vision with a get-the-job-done attitude. She never stopped. She worked constantly. She was a leader in her BHS Class of 1944, the ADO social sorority, and PTA. She was a successful, self-taught businesswoman acquiring rental property and starting the retail store Granny’s Corner. Much could be written about Wilma Jean. Much could be admired about her life. It is certain however, the things for which she would want to be most remembered are her strong faith in the Lord and how she loved her family above all else. … Wilma Jean’s family wishes to thank the staff of Cedar Creek Senior Living for the outstanding care provided over the last few months of Wilma Jean’s life. The memorial service for Wilma Jean will be at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 on Friday, May 24th. Visitation begins at 12:00. The Memorial Service begins at 3:00, followed by the gravesite service at 4:00. All family and friends are invited to the repast at the Uptown café following the burial. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Wilma Jean Cornwell

October 6, 1926 - May 16, 2024