Phyllis Joan (Joanie) Cornelison also known as Nana was born on Wednesday, November 2, 1949 in Paragould, Arkansas. She made her second and final trip to Heaven on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in White House, Tennessee. She was 76 years young.She is survived by her daughter : Janie (Jim) Elkins, favorite grandson : Tyler (DeNae) Elkins, granddaughter : Elise (Clint) Shipp, great-grandchildren : Amelia and Adeline Elkins, siblings : Iva Madigan, Ron Cornelison, Retha Dawson, and Gary (Jan) Cornelison, and last but not least soul sister : Brenda (Keith) Gray.She is preceded in death by her parents Eldon and Alma (Willey) Cornelison. Joanie was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.She enjoyed time in nature, whether running, playing softball or water recreation during family reunions at Lake Norfork. “Nana Ninja” even earned a black belt in karate. Her favorite author was Jane Austen. She was also an avid movie lover with classics like Peter Pan, The Princess Bride, and October Sky topping the list. Nana never missed an opportunity to thank a veteran for their service. Politics piqued her interest later on in life and she always encouraged everyone to register to vote. During a trip to Georgia she even got to meet and attend the church service of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, and his wife Rosalynn.Phyllis was a teacher until the very end with more than 30 years of experience. Her favorite subject to teach was math.She graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1968. She also obtained a Bachelor of Arts with honors from The University of Michigan – Flint in 1986, and then went on to receive a Master of Education from Michigan State University in 1992.
Graveside service will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:00 in the afternoon at White House Memorial Gardens with Chaplin Travis Rose officiating.
Pallbearers, Jim Elkins, Tyler Elkins, Clint Shipp and Alex DePena
Honorary pallbearers:Ron Cornelison and Gary Cornelison.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Alive Hospice in her honor.
www.alivehospice.org
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 Her Celebration of Life in Hendersonville, TN will be announced at a later date.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
