Cornelia was born in Egremont, Mississippi on January 5, 1926 to the late Adele King Walker and Rev. Mitchell L. Walker. Cornelia Stephney departed this earthly life on July 19, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at her home surrounded by her family.

She confessed her life to Christ at a young age. She received her elementary and high school education in Sharkey County. She married the late Haywood Stephney, Sr. on December 23, 1945. They were married for 65 years. To this union, five children were born. The family migrated to Clarksdale, Mississippi to start their life and to raise their children. Mrs. Stephney attended Brown's Beauty School and became a licensed beautician. She also attended nursing school and became a licensed practical nurse. She was employed for many years at Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. She later retired and devoted her life and time to her family.

Moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi, she joined Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E. G. Mason. Mrs. Stephney was a firm and stern lady to all that knew her. She was a member of the Heroine of Jericho - Clarksdale Court # 134 and the American Legion Post, #203. Mrs. Stephney possessed a passion for cooking and baking homemade goods. Every Sunday after church, the family looked forward to eating soul food and fellowshipping. In 1997, Cornelia Stephney along with her late husband and children, sponsored the Stephney Soul Food Dinner, a tradition that was carried on for 17 years as a part of the Black History Month Celebration at Chapel Hill Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Walker, Sr.; her husband, Mr. Haywood Stephney, Sr.; her children, Haywood Stephey, Jr. and Doris Wilson Lester; and her siblings; Mitchell Walker, Jr., Ruby Raymond Jones, and Erma Walker Cole.

Cornelia Adele Stephney Walker lived a life of longevity. She lived to be 97 years of age.

It was a blessing and a privilege to have her around for so many years as the matriarch of the family. She will be missed and cherished forever.

She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters: Carolyn Stephney-Brown and Vivian Stephney Johnson of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Esther Stephney (Montoria) Hubbard of Viera, Florida. Her grandchildren; Kimberly (James) Hollins, Tanya Stokes, Tylon Stephney, Taysjun Stephney, Tarvryn Stephney, Evette Hubbard, Great-grandchildren; Quirinius (Ashley) Wilson, Tavaris Stephney, Christian Stephney, Vivian Stokes, Kimaya Hollins, Joshua Hollins, Darron Stokes II, Nia Royster, Mariah Royster, Jalani Royster, Ali Royster; and great-great grandchildren; Kaia Stokes, Kaiden Peterson, Paxton Wilson, and Kyrie Stokes.