Cornelia J. (Terhune) Willingham

Celebration of life for: Cornelia Joyce Willingham

Cornelia Joyce Willingham was born on November 6, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to the union of Alvin and Rosebud Terhune who both preceded her in death. Cornelia was the third child of four children. Her brother James Carlton Terhune, and sister Bernice Connelly, both preceded her in death. Cornelia moved with her family from Chicago to Detroit at an early age. She attended school in the Detroit Public School system. She received her GED. Cornelia married her ex-husband Milo Willingham and had their first child Roshell. Milo entered the armed services and was stationed in France where Cornelia joined him. During her stay in France, she had her oldest son, Milo. Cornelia returned back to Detroit, and had her other two sons, Michael and James, who preceded her in death. She received training as a nurse assistant, and she also received her license as a hair stylist from Virginia Farrell Beauty School. Cornelia was raised in a Christian home and confessed her love to Christ at a very early age. She became a member at Liberty Temple Church in Detroit. Cornelia retired from Chrysler after providing over 30 years of service. Cornelia was the first woman to retire in her family. When she retired, she took up floral arrangement, of which she provided beautiful arrangements to family members, and friends. She also became a member of the Eastern Stars. Cornelia loved to cook and enjoyed her cooking shows. She loved family gatherings, of which she would have elaborate “just because” parties where she would have balloons, lots of food, and plenty of music. She loved her rachet TV shows, Dr. Phil, Jerry Springer, and 48 hours. Cornelia had a heart of gold and was one of the strongest women you could meet. She loved being around her family and would welcome many into her family. If you couldn’t handle the truth don’t ask her because she gave it to you. She was one of the realist people you could meet. Cornelia had a grandson James, and a great granddaughter Nala who preceded her in death. Cornelia received her wings on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at home with family members by her side.

Cornelia leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Roshell Shoulders (William), and her son Milo Willingham. One sister, Betty Jackson (Robert). A nephew, who was like a son, Derrick Connelly. One aunt, Mamie Chambers. Grandchildren Tiffany, Daja, Michael, Shandrika, Amber, Brittany, Nikitta, Shannon, James Grady, Courtney, Ashley, Ciarra, Torin, Jalin, Jewel, Jontai, Jor’niey, Justice, Jamiere, Robin, Karrington, James, Jalen, Micah, and Christian. Great-grandchildren Tavares, Nelia, Aniyah, Samuel, Aiden, Bella, Gorgeous, and a host of others. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive her.

Visitation Saturday, January 7, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at Wysocki & Wilk Funeral Home, 29440 Ryan Road, Warren, Michigan. Interment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Please share a memory with the family here on Cornelia's Tribute Wall.