Jane Cornelson's Obituary
A miracle happened the afternoon of April 30, 2026, when God called Jane Cornelson, 95, to “Come home to Me.” Jane was born December 4, 1930 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Verl J. and Bess Metz. After graduation from Classen High School she went on to Monticello for one year (a private all-girls college in Illinois), and then to the University of Oklahoma where Jane met the love of her life, Joe, on a blind date. They married in 1950 and celebrated 70 years of marriage at the time of Joe’s passing five years ago.
Upon marriage, Jane went with Joe to Camp Atterbury in Indiana where she was a stenographer for the JAG for one year. On Joe’s military return from Germany, they made their home in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Jane and Joe were devoted members at the First Baptist Church as well as charter members of Northeast Baptist Church.
Jane was involved in many community activities. She belonged to numerous bridge clubs, sewed clothing, played the piano, golfed, and needlepointed. She was a member of the Mother’s Club, and active and President at some point of the PTA at Woodlands Elementary School, the Women’s Golf Association at the PCCC, her PEO chapter, and the 20th Century Club. She loved to travel with Joe, making 39 trips all over the world. She taught a Sunday School class and Vacation Bible School, and assisted Joe as a department director at First Baptist with other faithful believers and followers of Jesus Christ.
After living 50 years in Ponca City, Jane and Joe moved to Houston, Texas where they volunteered at Ben Taub Hospital and Operation ID at First Presbyterian Church Houston. They worshiped at First Presbyterian Church and then Seven Mile Road Houston.
Jane never complained, never argued, she kept an immaculate home, never asked for anything, cooked healthy meals, and always looked beautiful. Their home was peaceful, orderly, kind, and abundant. She was kind to everyone and loved her husband with all her heart.
Jane was adored by her three children. She left behind numerous nieces and nephews. Jane is survived by her children Susan (Scott) Backry (Midland, Texas), Jim (Dumaguete, Philippines), and Tim (Houston, Texas). Grandchildren are Laaron (Travis) Michael and their three children: Koben, Barrett, and Lilymae of Midland, Texas. Also Daniel (Huimin) Backry and daughter Cecilia of Cypress, Texas; and Jim’s son Jesse Cornelson of Princeton, Texas.
Her favorite songs were “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and “The Choice is Mine.” Jane was committed to Jesus Christ as her Savior. She believed that Jesus died and rose again to give us abundant life today and to save us from the eternal death of sin and separation from God.
On April 30th, death was swallowed in victory when Jane saw Jesus face-to-face. We miss her already! But we can rejoice that she is finally with the man she loved for a lifetime, and together they are in the loving arms of Jesus for eternity. Mom, we will see you again!!!
In lieu of flowers gifts can be given to the Young Life Camp Scholarship Fund: Young Life, 1931 Lexington Street, Houston, TX 77098. Burial will be at the Braman, Oklahoma Cemetery.
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