Maxine Cornwell

Mrs. Maxine Cornwell of Newnan, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Maxine was born in Calhoun County, Alabama on May 8, 1937 to the late William Foster Abernathy and the late Claudia Stonecypher Abernathy. She graduated Oxford High School and attended UAB and Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham; the first person in her family to attend college. While living in Birmingham, Maxine met the love of her life, Cecil Cornwell, whom she married in 1959. Maxine was a loyal companion to Cecil throughout their 63 years of marriage. Together, they lived in Alabama, California, and Kentucky as Cecil continued his education in ministry and social work, finally settling in Georgia where Cecil worked for the Georgia Baptist Children's Home for 30 years. Maxine was a bookkeeper prior to her retirement in 1994. She loved to travel, with western adventures being her favorite. She and Cecil visited all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and several Caribbean countries. She loved flowers, birds, reading, and gardening. Maxine was the rare treasure who genuinely wanted the best for others, loved unconditionally, gave praise generously, and helped others know that they were special. She believed every good word she spoke. She loved well, showing her love and God's love to others. Her children and grandchildren were continuously reminded of her love and her deep pride in them. Maxine and Cecil were active members of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain prior to moving to Coweta County and found their church home in Newnan at Central Baptist Church. Maxine was an active member of her church and loved to serve and worship beside Cecil and their many friends until her health prevented her from doing so. Maxine is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Roy Abernathy, Troy Abernathy, Claude "Wordy" Abernathy, and Ralph Abernathy, her sisters, Betty McKimm and Margaret "Mickey" Wooten, and a nephew, Frank Wooten. She is survived by her husband, Cecil Cornwell, brother Joseph Abernathy, of Orange Beach, AL, daughter Susan Greene (Ken) of Statham, Georgia, son Eric Cornwell (Ada) of Newnan, and grandchildren Megan Greene, Grayson Cornwell, and Will Cornwell, as well as many nieces and nephews. While Alzheimer's disease took away her memory, it could not take away her sweet spirit and sense of humor. Even during her brief time in care, Maxine connected with her caregivers and made an impact on each of them. The family is especially thankful for the love and care given to Maxine by Kindred Hospice and the staff at The Claiborne at Newnan Lakes. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com A memorial service will be held Monday, September 26, 2022 at 2pm at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Sapp and Dr. Joel Richardson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday afternoon from 1:00 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Georgia Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries, www.georgiachildren.org or the Salvation Army of Newnan. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Maxine Cornwell

May 8, 1937 - September 18, 2022