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In memory of

Celestine Cornelius

Oakland, CA, USA

February 1, 1963 - February 3, 2019

Feb 1, 1963 - Feb 3, 2019

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Celestine Cornelius, the eighth of 10 children was born on February 1, 1963, alongside her twin sister, Ernestine Cornelius, to her parents William Wilmer Uliece Cornelius and Doris Maxine Cornelius in Oakland, CA. She received her formal education through the Oakland Public School System.

Celestine met and later married Nathaniel Leonard Jackson Sr., to this union was born Nathaniel Leonard Jackson Jr. As time went on Celestine was blessed with her daughter Jennifer Maxine Cornelius. She loved both of her children dearly.

Celestine was a true believer and faithful worker of God. She attended the House of David C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of the late Pastor, Edward Lee Knight, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. While at the House of David, she would soon accept her calling as a Missionary, and was later promoted to Superintendent of the Sunday School Department, she also served as Director of the Sunshine Band and taught in the Purity Department. Celestine enjoyed assisting in Easter and Christmas plays, and had a very creative talent for making costumes — especially Angels.

After a fire damaged the House of David Church, Missionary Cornelius, along with fellow members, joined Greater Bethesda C.O.G.I.C, under the leadership of Pastor Clarence C. Sheppard. While there she was also appointed the Superintendent of the Sunday School Department and often taught Bible Band.

Celestine was a great nurturer and a mother to many: She took in her niece, Shantai Briggs whom she loved as her own, and her home was often the after-school hang-out spot for many of her nieces and nephews. Celestine was dubbed as “Mama Cele” to many and was “Missy” to her daughter Jennifer. She had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor! She loved sneaking up on people; and even while she was in the hospital, she knew how to make light of things. One saying that will be remembered is, “Why you all standing around, staring at me? This ain’t no funeral. I’m not dead, I’m alive.”

Celestine was a spectacular person that believed in God wholeheartedly, and she did whatever God led her to do — never worrying about anything. Her hands stayed busy and she loved working around children and helping others; she always kept her grandchildren -- even when she was sick and knew she needed to rest -- she just wanted her babies around her! Celestine also volunteered at East Oakland Pride Elementary School, often helping in classrooms, the cafeteria and on field trips.

Celestine Cornelius departed this life on February 3, 2019 — officially winning her battle over cancer — with family and friends surrounding her. A promise was made to her that she wouldn’t be alone, and that promise was kept.

Celestine was preceded in death by her second-born son, Kenneth Earl Jackson, brother Ronnie Cornelius; uncle, Louis Cornelius; cousin, Dorisanne Harrison and many other relatives. She leaves to cherish her Love and memory: her father, Wilmer Cornelius and mother, Doris Cornelius; brothers, Robert Kirkland, Roy "R.C." Cornelius, Michael Cornelius (Frances), and Stevie Cornelius; five sisters, Marilyn Deckard (Jimmy), Anita Cornelius, Jerri Robbins, her twin sister, Ernestine Cornelius, and Vonda Cornelius; son, Nathaniel "Nate" Leonard Jackson Jr. (Latricia), daughter, Jennifer Maxine Cornelius, seven grandchildren, thirty-eight nieces and nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, church family and friends. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Rest in Heaven Queen, your work here is done!

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