Linda Ingram Cornelius

Linda Ingram  Cornelius, lifelong resident of Locust Fork, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at her home. Linda was born on July 31, 1947, to Hoyt and Robbie Ingram.   She was loved and nutured by her parents and her aunts and uncles that lived just next door.  

When Linda was 16 years old, she had the unexpected joy of becoming a big sister to Jackie.  As a toddler, Jackie would patiently wait at the window for Linda’s arrival from school or work.  They always had a close bond, growing stronger as the years passed. Jackie served as the flower girl at Linda’s wedding, and Linda served as Jackie’s Matron of Honor.

She met and made lifelong friends during her grade school years at Locust Fork, graduating in the Class of 1965.  After graduation, she attended Jefferson State Junior College, then began working at University Hospital.  

When Locust Fork incorporated in 1977, Linda was appointed as the first City Clerk, a volunteer position that she held for several years.

She married James Cornelius on June 27, 1970. James and Linda completed their family with the birth of Cande in 1971.  Shortly after, Linda began a 33-year career at Children’s Hospital, serving in various finance administrative positions before retiring as Executive Assistant to the Hospital’s Chief Financial Officer.

Linda was an active member of Locust Fork Baptist Church from a young age until her illness prevented weekly fellowship. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering, from time to time, using her skills to help count the weekly offering or answer the church office phone.   She was honored to be selected as part of the Capital Campaign committee for the Family Life Center that opened in the early 2000s.  

Linda loved and treasured her family and her extended family.  When each of Linda’s parents became sick and incapacitated, she faithfully and sacrificially ensured that they received the very best care – a long and hard period that she managed.

After Linda’s parents passed in 2001 and 2002, respectively, she visited the cemetery often, then started working in it, eventually completing the task of cleaning headstones so the cemetery would look pretty for the families whose loved ones are buried there.  

Upon retirement in 2004, Linda became a grandmother, and her name affectionately became “Lulu." Linda adored her grandsons, Will and Evan, and they adored her. She made her famous coleslaw and they loved it, still comparing everyone else’s recipe to hers, always saying hers was better.

Linda’s faith deepened under the direction of Bro. Charles Dinkins; a retired pastor whose family connection led him to Locust Fork. She became the secretary of the Chapel Sunday School class, a group of 100+ that came weekly to listen to Bro. Dinkins. While in that role, her kind spirit deepened, as shown in the loving, faithfully written cards to the sick and bereaved members of that class. Her family and friends then began receiving those thoughtful cards from Linda.  

As Linda’s illness progressed, her lifelong childhood friends – Sarah, Wanda, Sherilyn, and Glinda – continued their love and support of her. They made her feel special with meals, cards, gifts, and birthday celebrations.  

Linda had wonderful helpers over the last several years that helped make her daily life tasks easier. She was able to stay in her home, in a community that she loved her entire life.   Brooke, Chrissy, and Wendi, thank you!

Funeral Services were held Monday, June 9, at Locust Fork Baptist Church. Visitation for family was at 10 a.m., with friends invited from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Funeral followed at noon, and graveside service at Clear Springs Cemetery on County Highway 15.

Survivors include:  Husband:  James Cornelius; Daughter: Cande (Hoyt) Sanders; Grandsons: Will and Evan Sanders; Sister:  Jackie (Jeff) Langhout; Niece: Grace Langhout; Nephew: Robert (Claire) Langhout; Great-niece: Ruthie Langhout; her many Ingram and Mewbourne families.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Clear Springs Cemetery Association, c/o Scott Holmes, 1610 Hazelrig Road, Cleveland, Alabama 35049.