07/05/2025
Phyllis M. Cornelius, 89 of Industry, Illinois, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at her home. She was born on the family farm south of Vermont, Illinois on June 30, 1936, the second child of three in a multi-generational farming family. She attended Freeman School through 1947, then VIT High School, graduating in 1954. Following High School, she attended nursing school at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1957. After graduation, she practiced in Doctor A.E. Steer’s office in Springfield.
She married Marion Cornelius on December 27, 1959 in Vermont, while continuing to work as a nurse in Springfield. The two began their family shortly after. In 1962, they relocated to Macomb, Illinois. Phyllis continued as a floor nurse at McDonough District Hospital, eventually advancing to supervisor of nursing on the 3-11 shift until the birth of her daughter in 1967. She returned to nursing as a surgical nurse in 1970 at MDH.
In the late 1960’s, the couple owned a small aircraft for a few years, which she learned to pilot.
During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, she and her family spent numerous summer vacations touring the western and northern US, as well as Canada.
In 1973, she and Marion acquired a small farm west of Industry. During the summer of that year, Phyllis and her husband Marion constructed their “forever” home located on a hilltop overlooking Grindstone Creek, which they refer to as Valley View Farm.
In 1983, Phyllis retired from MDH and she and Marion acquired a small lumber yard in Industry which became known as C & E Lumber. Over time, she added a craft store to this enterprise. Both managed the establishment for a few years.
In subsequent years, Phyllis spent time developing her talent for craft and acrylic painting. She shared her interest and talent with others, by teaching the medium in various locations.
From 1982 to 1988, both of them worked together as volleyball referees for area high schools.
In 2003, an opportunity arose to acquire the original Freeman School that Phyllis and her brothers attended through 1947. The building was donated by a farmer who used it as a machine shed, and was relocated to a site in Ipava. It is now known as the Easley Pioneer Museum, which documents local history of the area through the mid-20th century.
Phyllis lived a rich life in the area and is survived by her husband Marion, son Steven (Michelle) Cornelius of Wasila, Alaska, daughter Teresa (Scott) Ramsey of Houston, Texas, granddaughters Miranda (Zach) Cornelius-Fisse of San Valley, Arizona and Paige (Jaden) Holcombe of Houston, Texas, great-grandchildren Maxwell and Samuel Fisse and Finnegan Holcombe and her brother Ronald (Sheila) Easley, who resides in the Philippines.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Marjorie Easley, and one brother Roger Easley.
Phyllis’ services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 7th, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Pastor Mike Ulmer will officiate. There will be no visitation. Interment will be held in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Phyllis may be directed towards the Easley Pioneer Museum.
