Joy Cornelius

Joy Trucks Cornelius, 89, of Birmingham, Alabama, died of natural causes on October 19, 2022. Joy was born on December 6, 1932, to Fred and Ethelyn Trucks. She preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert B. Cornelius and her only sibling, Nancy McClinton.

Joy brought up in Ensley, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham and received her master’s degree in education from Sanford University. She was a well-loved second grade teacher at Irondale Jr. High School for years. She was a faithful member of Roebuck Park Baptist Church for years where she served as a teacher and mentor to all members.

Joy is survived by her by her three sons, Robert Cornelius, Jr. (wife, Donna), Karl Cornelius (wife, Anita), and Gregg Cornelius (wife, Kim), three grandchildren, Robert Cornelius 3rd (son of Robert Cornelius Jr.), Jeff Cornelius (wife, Carol) and Alan Cornelius (sons of Karl Cornelius) and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Cornelius, and Peter Cornelius (children of Jeff). She survived by her two twin nephews, Steve, and Mike McClinton, whom she served as a surrogate mom and mentor, after the early death of their mother, Nancy.

Joy was a resolute wife and mother, who dearly loved her family first. She enjoyed serving her church and community and most recently, enjoyed the frequent visits of her dear friend, Nelda Barksdale. She enjoyed reading novels, beating her husband at scrabble, and sitting down to a family dinner. She also attended the Layton School of Art where she learned to paint with watercolor and went on to show and sell her extensive collection of paintings. She was an above average cook, who enjoyed studying recipes and creating new dishes for her family. She represents the great generation with excellence, being a model citizen and an example of what a human being should be, always putting others above herself and always thinking of herself last. Her sweet loving nature was obvious to the people around her with her beautiful blue eyes and smile that would always warm a heart.