Jimmie Ernestine Cornelius

Jimmie Cornelius known to her family and friends as "Mema" passed away August 14, 2022, at the age of 92.  "Mema" was born in Choctaw County, MS to Leland and Gertrude McCarty on March 19, 1930, the oldest of four children.

She lived in Mississippi until 1964 when her husband went to work for China Lake.  She hated Ridgecrest and cried everyday saying she wanted to go back to Mississippi.  After about 5 years there was no way you could get her to leave Ridgecrest, she fell in love with the town and her many friends.

Her favorite hobby was bowling and she bowled on many leagues in Ridgecrest and China Lake up until about 3 years ago when her family persuaded her to quit due to her health.   She was very proud of the fact that she traveled all over the US to bowling tournaments.  She made many long-time friends during these years of bowling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister and a brother.

She leaves a brother Carroll (Sammie) of Wilbur, MO, four children, Patsy of Henderson, NV, Judy of Henderson, NV, Benny (Kimberly) of Ridgecrest, CA, and Barry (Kerrie) of Ridgecrest, CA.

Mema leaves 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Grace Connection Bible Fellowship, 114 Gemstone, Suite B, on August 28, 2022, at 1 pm.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.