Diane Cornelius

Diane Cornelius was a woman with an amazing heart. The type of person that would do anything for her family and friends, she made her family her life's work. Together she and her husband shared a love that was pure, true and everlasting.

The year 1956 represented a time of simplicity and happiness in the United States. Under the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, American Colleges and Universities began to end racial segregation. Meanwhile, many American Youth were tuning their radios in to hear the Rock N’ Roll King: Elvis Presley as he emerged as one of the world’s first rock stars. Despite all the excitement of the year, for George and Mable (Ousley) Robinson of Martin, Kentucky, the biggest news was the October 22 birth of their daughter Diane and her twin brother Paul.

Born in Kentucky, the family relocated to Plainwell, Michigan when Diane was only two years old. As the second and third youngest in a large family, the twins were very family-oriented at a young age. With many siblings to choose from, Diane was always guaranteed a playmate, and she soon learned that home was wherever her family was. Growing up in Michigan, Diane attended Delton Schools, but she always knew her true calling was to start a family. Eventually Diane married her first husband, Steven Adams, and together they had two amazing children -Timothy and Kimberly. As her children grew, she became an excellent mother, and soon her kids became not only her family, but also her close friends. A self-proclaimed yard-sale bandit, whenever her children needed something they would ask their mother and she was off on a mission to find the item at the garage sale. With many great buys, she was usually successful in her hunts for toys, clothing, and many other treasures for her kids. When Diane wasn't hunting for great deals, she would often spend time collecting memories of her family. A talented photographer, Diane loved to take photos of her family and spent many hours on the computer putting the different photos into collages for the rest of the family. A social woman, she also spent many evenings playing cards and bingo with friends. Despite her busy schedule, Diane always made a point to attend Outreach for Jesus Church each Sunday.

Although Diane's children filled her with happiness, it was apparent she was missing something in her life. After a trip to the Big Top Market, she soon discovered what that was. It was during the shopping excursion that Diane noticed a man named Don Cornelius who was working. They soon began talking and one evening the couple went out for a night of drinks and dancing. Realizing that something special was growing between them, the couple enjoyed an evening filled with conversation and laughter. As the night progressed, time slipped away and soon they found themselves watching the sunrise. Don invited Diane back to his home for breakfast, and soon the couple fell in love. On May 22, 1998 the lovebirds made their lives complete when they took their vows and became husband and wife. As the years grew on, the newlyweds fell deeper and deeper in love. Don always said that the highlight of his life was coming home after work to see her everyday. Already lively people, somehow the two managed to bring the best out in each other. The two were so in love, that they would often miss each other after being separated only a short while. After an evening of golfing, Don would call his wife and say, "Hey Baby, I'm coming home!" When he returned for the evening, he would throw his arms around her and proclaim, "I can't stop loving you!" They were truly a romantic couple.

Together the couple loved to travel. Many times they would visit Florida, Kentucky, and the falls up north, stopping to try their luck at casinos along the way. Though many of their trips were local, the husband and wife team also took a cruise to the Caribbean. Although both Diane and Don each brought a family of their own into the marriage, both sets of children fell perfectly into place and would have it no other way. As a team they made the perfect set of parents, and the children thoroughly believe that they could not have asked for more from them. Setting an example of love, they instantly became "Mom" and "Dad" to all of their children. Don and Diane were the type of people who went out of their way to make everyone they knew happy. Determined to provide for their children and grandchildren, they would spare their last dime or the shirt off their backs to help. The couple never had to be asked for their help, they just volunteered; it was the way they were.

After 47 years of a life filled with family and friendship, Diane Cornelius died on July 2, 2004 in an auto accident in Colorado, with her beloved husband at her side. Diane's memory will survive in the heart's of her children Timothy Adams of Scottsville, KY, Kimberly Adams of Portage, Angel & Scott Ward of Hastings, Donald C. Cornelius of Yankee Springs, and April Cornelius of Hastings; grandchildren: Dustin, Devin & Brooke Ward, Britney, Nicholas & David Cornelius, and Daisy & Casandra Adams; and siblings: Philip & Mollie Robinson, Bill & Mary Robinson, Roberta & O.D. Sites, twin brother Paul Robinson and Debbie Sweeting, and Betty Robinson & Bill Oliverio all of Plainwell, and Velva & William Huff of Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents and siblings: Russell, Wade, Maude, Shirley, Grover, & David Robinson, and Thelma Ketchum. Please visit Diane’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to Wings of Hope Hospice.

Diane was a caring person who never prejudged anyone she met. A wise woman, she was always willing to help, but would never give advice without listening to a person's whole story. Throughout her life she considered herself very lucky to have such wonderful children, and to marry the love of her life Don.