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.
Aquamation services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center.
www.claybarnette.com