Mr. Jerry Thomas Cornelison, Sr., age 76, of Scottsboro, Alabama, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital.
Jerry was born in Scottsboro on February 27, 1949, to the late Luther Floyd Cornelison and Christian Ollie Mae Lewis Cornelison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rosa Mae Cornelison Weeks.
Though born in Scottsboro, Jerry moved to Indiana as a young child and grew up in Indiana and Illinois. He graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1967, and returned to Scottsboro in the early 1980s.
Jerry spent most of his life in work that allowed him to connect with people. He was truly a people person—known for his warmth, humor, and effervescent personality. He never met a stranger, and those who knew him loved him deeply.
Jerry was an avid sports fan. If you could talk baseball or football, you were speaking his language. He loved cheering for his Chicago Cubs and Alabama football. The only thing he enjoyed talking about more was his family—especially his children, grandchildren, and, most recently, his newborn great-granddaughter. He was a proud father and “Papa.”
Jerry was a devoted member of Goosepond Church of God, where his son, Rev. Jerry Cornelison, Jr., serves as pastor. One of his greatest joys was leading the congregation in song from his beloved red-backed hymnal.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Jerry Cornelison, Jr. of Scottsboro; Tabitha (Jon) Sarver of Mooresville, NC; and Savannah Cornelison of Scottsboro; his loving sister, Kathy (Randy) Wooden of Scottsboro; grandchildren: Jonathan (Isabella) Sarver of Raleigh, NC; Jacob Sarver and Abigail Sarver of Mooresville, NC; Shawn Cornelison, Jessie (Shiann) Campbell, and Trevelle Edwards of Scottsboro; and great-granddaughter, Embry Mae Rose Cornelison of Scottsboro.
Jerry is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who will miss him dearly, along with a special friend, Norma Tigue of Dutton, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Bro. Brett Hogland and Bro. Randy Wooden officiating. Burial will follow in Pinehaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 5-8 p.m.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home.
