Cornelia Sweezy

SHELBY- Cornelia Jenkins Sweezy, 81, gracefully departed this world on April 10, 2025, following injuries sustained in an automobile accident while en route to brighten a friend’s day.

Born in Shelby, NC on August 25, 1943, to Samuel Alexander Jenkins, Sr. and Mary Louise Bridges Jenkins, Cornelia grew up in the Mooresboro/Boiling Springs community with the Trinity Baptist Church hymnal as her first textbook. This early Christian education blossomed into a lifetime of authentic, dynamic faith that manifested itself not in words, but in the countless selfless actions that defined her.

Cornelia leaves behind her husband, Gerald Sweezy; sons Noel and Jeremy Sweezy; daughter-in-law Karen; and the three grandchildren who were the passion of her life—Ellie, Brendan, and Luka. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Amanda Jolley, and brother Samuel "Sammy" Jenkins, Jr. Her family circle expanded beyond blood to include "adopted" family members Ian Burgess and Charlie Crosby, along with beloved nieces and nephews and countless others who found in her a ready listener and tireless cheerleader.

After earning her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina and later a Master's from Gardner Webb University. Cornelia shaped young minds first as a teacher's aide at Elizabeth Elementary and later as a 4th grade teacher at Number 3 Elementary School. But her classroom extended well beyond school walls—she served for decades as a dedicated Children's and Youth Teacher at Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church before becoming a proud member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in recent years.

Cornelia possessed a warmth that was palpable. Strangers felt comfortable sharing their life stories with her, drawn to her graceful ability to listen without judgment. She was a steadfast friend to those navigating challenges, her door always open, her kitchen filled with a delicious aroma. Ready with a bright smile and genuine interest, she was a relentless cheerleader for every accomplishment, big or small.

Her energy was legendary. Cornelia was strong, tough, and often worked late into the night on her many projects. She was a farm mother through and through, faithfully (and perhaps to the embarrassment of her teenage sons) entering the family farm booth in the Cleveland County Fair year after year. She was a relentless canner of green beans, tomatoes, and anything else her rich garden produced. She found sanctuary in the woods on the family farm and delighted in the explosion of color from the myriad of flowers she tended with care.

Her creativity knew no bounds. Cornelia was a gifted quilter, a member of the Foothills Quilters Guild, skilled in both traditional and art quilting. She painted, crafted beautiful things from vines and dried flowers, and could turn any birthday into a masterpiece with one of her uniquely creative cakes – a tradition her grandchildren cherished even into adulthood. She was a gardener, cook, horsewoman, scholar, teacher, mentor, artist, farm hand, mother, and wife – a true Renaissance woman of North Carolina soil.

Cornelia had a passport full of memories and a heart full of wanderlust. She traveled extensively to visit her children and grandchildren, making treasured trips to Santa Fe, France, Greece, Texas, England, and Australia. As an enthusiastic member of Shelby’s Friendship Force, she hosted guests from across the globe and explored Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, and numerous corners of the US, always eager to connect with new people and places. Yet, she also found deep contentment closer to home, cherishing time at the beach and the beloved family cabin. But her favorite place in the world was in the company of family or friends or even strangers.

All are invited to a Celebration of her extraordinary Life on Saturday, May 17th @ 2pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with a Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cleveland County Schools Educational Foundation Inc (www.ccsedfoundation.org) at Giving Link via Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2YBYUJUTDPR82) , or by mail to Cleveland County Schools Educational Foundation, 400 West Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

Those who loved her best know that Cornelia would want to be remembered not with tears but with acts of kindness toward others. As she often demonstrated, sometimes the most profound ministry is simply showing up with an open heart, listening ears, and ready hands.