Jerry Thomas Cornelison, Sr., age 76 of Scottsboro, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from the Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Brett Hogland and Bro. Randy Wooden officiated. Interment followed in the Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Cornelison is survived by his children, Jerry Cornelison, Jr., Tabitha (Jon) Sarver and Savannah Cornelison; sister, Kathy (Randy) Wooden; grandchildren, Jonathan (Isabella) Sarver, Jacob Sarver and Abigail Sarver, Shawn Cornelison, Jessie (Shiann) Campbell and Trevelle Edwards; and great-granddaughter, Embry Mae Rose Cornelison; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family along with a special friend, Norma Tigue.
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 1980’s.
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 Goose Pond 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.
