Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, June 5, 2021 for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at noon.
The family has chosen Plant Managers as their florist. (262) 865-7278 (1324 Lathrop Ave. )
The family of Cornelious Spann is saddened to announce his passing.
A Family man, and no stranger to hard work Cornelious Spann also known as Mr. C was born April 23, 1943, in Macon, MS. to the beautiful union of Levi Spann and Mother Rosie B Spann (Taylor). He received his golden wings on May 25, 2021, in Racine, WI at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his Father Levi Spann Sr., grandson, Dectreise Dionne Spann, Brothers Eddie Spann Sr., Charles B Spann, and Mother Rosie Spann
Cornelious accepted Christ as his Lord and savior at an early age and was a member of Colman Chapel A.M.E and took delight in singing in the church choir.
He lost his father at an early age and instead of working in the fields, picking cotton, he opted to stay home and help raise his younger siblings. Where he developed a strong sense for family, sewing, gardening, a love for cooking and a patient demeanor. He grew up in the South, during Jim Crow and segregation and through it all graduated from Eliza Miller Sr. High School in 1963. He was offered a scholarship to play college football and instead of taking the scholarship he had to go to work to help the family.
After heading North and working in Chicago, IL he eventually ended up in Racine, WI. In 1966 he started working at JI Case where he rose to the ranks as foreman and later retired in April 1991.
The simple pleasures in life brought him great joy and love where he developed his love for martial arts. He earned his 3rd degree in black belt in Shorin-Ryu, Okinawan Karate, were he won countless tournaments and trophies. There after he became a personal instructor and mentor. One of his proudest achievements was being called Sensei, (teacher), which he loved to do. He was a BAD MAN!!
Cornelious sacrificed a lot for his family, kids, grandkids, and close friends, and instilled the value of hard work, and education. His touch, and patients, was effortless and his voice was one of the most beautiful instruments you have ever heard.
He leaves to cherish in his memories: Lifetime partner and wife Delores (Finley) Spann, Four daughters: Rayna (Tommie) Henry of Arcadia, FL, Monica Spann of Racine WI, Aunai Finley of Kansas City, MO, Camena (Adam) Scott of Racine, WI, Four Sons: Troy Spann of Winona, MN, Cory (Danielle) Spann of Kenosha, WI, Alfonsa Thompson of Kansas City, MO, Cornelious Spann Jr. of Racine, WI , Five Sisters: Charity Cooks of Kenosha, WI, Annie (William) Moore of Lexa, AR, Henrine Joyner of DeWitt, AR, Christine Supal of Racine, WI and Mariah (William) Buchanan. Three Brothers: Levi (Betty) Spann of Logansport, IN, Robert “Bob” Spann of Kenosha, WI and Rev. Freddie (Carolyn) Spann of West Helena AR. He leaves behind Twenty-eight beloved grandchildren, Thirteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, as well as countless nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, June 5, 2021 for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at noon.
Simone (White) Jones- Kenosha says
Cornelious will be missed. He had a beautiful singing voice and always made you smile and laugh. We love ya cousin
Family be strong and cherish the memories of time spent with him. May God bless and keep you.
Sharon and David Williams says
My husband and I send our love to you Lois.God allowed us to have your last birthday breakfast Cornelious with us and I thank you Lord. We will make sure Lois is okay rest easy my dear friend see you on the other side.
Rochelle Anderson-Moore says
My heart is heavy due to the passing of Cornelius, I grew up having him as a big brother . My mother loved him like a son. Lois and family my heart goes out you all. He was a kind and gentle soul which will be missed tremendously. Rest well my Brother until we meet again.
Roy Z Spann Jr. says
Roy Zell Spann Jr. In Loving Memory 💔🕊️
Jessica House says
My dear cousin you will definitely be missed. I loved when you sang the gospel song “Oh Happy Day” it did something to my heart and soul. I did not see you for sometime but you were loved. May you RIH big cuz until we meet again. 💔😇❤🙏🏽
Linda Turner says
I remember wonderful and happy days with Cornelious and the entire Spann family when we were kids. We were members of Coleman Chapel AME church . I considered Cornelius my big brother. He was a kind sweet man. I know he will be missed by all who knew him and love him. Rest in Peace Cornelious.
Pastor Gerald & Evangelist Janice WIlcoxon says
We were sadden to hear of the homegoing of our dear Brother Cornelious. He will be greatly missed. He blessed so many with his songs, especially our favorite “One More Sunny Day” We thank God for allowing him to share his life with us. He truly loved life and laughter. On behalf of the entire Mt Sinai BC family, we pray that the Lord bless and keep you during this difficult period. Hold on to the Lord’s hand and he will help you to stand.
Because He lives,
Joyce Shelton Smith says
We will miss you Neal. RIH. Love you
Aubrey & Linda (Tussy) Anderson says
We are truly sorry for your lost.
Rest Easy Cornelius & thank you for the great memories. Family, we pray for your strength. Gone too soon!
Sheila Grandy says
My deepest condolences to his family, may God comfort you all during this time
Joyce McGee says
My the good Lord be with your family RIP
Anonymous says
Sending sincere condolences to Lois and your family Cornelius will be missed always smiling always kind rest in peace
Paula Boykin and Family says
Condolences to Lois and your family and friends rest in peace Cornelius
Teri and Jerry Young says
Our thoughts hearts and prayers go out to to you Camena and your whole family during this difficult time. Always here for you!💔❤
BRUZINE SPANN says
UNCLE OF MY CHILDREN AND BROTHER OF MY LATE HUSBAND EDDIE SPANN SR. CONDOLENCES AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MY SISTER DELORES SPANN, THE KIDS AND THE ENTIRE SPANN FAMILY FOR THE LOSS OF MY SISTER’S HUSBAND, CORNELIOUS SPANN. YOU WILL BE DEARLY MISSED BUT GOD WANTED YOU MORE. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER GIVE MY MOM AND DAD A HUG FOR ME.
O. Keith Fair says
Love and respect to a man who always wore a smile, rest in peace Corn!!!
Brenda Brantley says
My condolences to the Spann family
Sharon Lawrence Hunter says
My condolence to the family from the Lawrence Family
Jim Poplawski says
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
Jim ‘DOC’ Poplawski. Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Pavell Jackson says
You will be miss from the Jackson
Deborah Riley says
,Amen,Amen You will be deeply missed and loved.Rest in peace in your heavenly home.Thanks to almighty God Amen for sharing your beautiful heart and your presence with us all.Gone but never forgotten.😇😂🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏾🙏🏾Thoughts 💭 and prayers for the family Amen.🙏🏾🙏🏾,
Wallace @glenda bell says
Rih our friend
Anonymous says
REST IN PEACE OUR DEAR FRIEND THE JENKINS AND FINLEY FAMILY , NEW ALBANY, MS. GOD BLESS YOU COUSIN,
Henrine says
Speechless!
Sheila Grandy says
My condolences to the Spann families, may God comfort each one of you for your loss, 🙏💞
Donnie and Shelia Simmons-Nashville,TN says
We would like express our deepest sympathy to the entire Spann family.
Eunice, Melvin, Pinky and Elrean. says
Condolences to the entire Spann family…….
JIMMIE L. MARTIN says
FAREWELL MY CLASSMATE ,FOND MEMORIES OF SINGING WITH YOU AT ELIZA MILLER HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE QUARTET
CLASSMATE: JIMMIE L. MARTIN WEST HELENA AR.
Anonymous says
To the family of Mr.Cornelious Spann,You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I met Spann in 1966 as we called him at JI Case Co. He and I always had a smile as we crossed path he was a nice person to know and I know he will be missed. But,We all have this come on this journey so you all stay strong and remember your loved one as he was and may God be with you all 🙏🏾
Richard McGee says
To the family of Mr.Cornelious Spann, You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one.I met Spann as we called him at JI Case Co.in 1966 we always had a kind kind word to pass on to one another over the years. I know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and I hope the Lord’s blessing will be with you all and give you strength to move forward because we all have this ahead of us on this journey 🙏🏾
Vincent says
The Bible describes a future time when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Read Revelation 21:4.) The problems that can make life seem hopeless today—such as poverty, injustice, sickness, and death—will no longer exist. The Bible promises that humans will be able to enjoy life forever in Paradise on earth.
Be comforted Aunt Delores & the rest of the family
John Vermey Passehls Bp says
He will missed by many. A big man with a big heart and always a big smile.
Joyce Watkins (Bell) says
I am so sorry for your lost. Have school days memories of the family.
Dwylia Clayton Wright says
My Deepest Condolences to the Family. So Sorry for your Loss.
Lolita Kimmons Moody says
Cornelius was a man I never saw without a smile on his face that would brighten any day and something humorous to say to make your day. I wish there was some way to instill his work ethic in our younger generation. Rest well and prayers for the family.
Aletha and James says
Lois we pray for you and your family . The Community lost a giant of a MAN
Aletha and Gilbert
Judy bond says
Cornelius was a long time friend he will be very well missed gone but not forgotten
Robert Lenard Cooks says
The biggest smile ever. I’ll miss you uncle.
Rajeeyah McWhorter (Rae) says
My heart is heavy, Love you Mr. C and you will be missed but you have left nothing but great memories …..the gentle giant with a beautiful soul and smile. Prayers to you and the Family Lois, anything I can ever do please don’t hesitate Much Love and Prayers
Faye Fields Watson Chgo Il says
Family may God bless and keep u during this time may HE COMFORT U AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. childhood friend. Faye Fields Watson we all grew up n MIDLEND HEIGHTS
Lisa Brown. Nashville Tennessee says
My sympathy goes out to you with warmest wishes. May you feel the kindness, love, and warmth of those who care for you. Sorry for your loss.
Wanda & Fredrick Brown says
Our condolences to your family praying in the name of Jesus for peace and comfort ..bless you Takeisha Spann and Family
Brenda M. Banks says
They say that the most important time in our lives is the time spent between the day of our birth and the day when our eyes are closed eternally. How beautiful to see the blessings that Cornelius gave to others throughout his life and the joy with which He lived. I pray that God strengthens the heart of each one who loved, and was loved by, him, especially his family and loved ones.. May his memories live forever in your heart.
With love,
Brenda Banks
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Justine Terry says
Rip
Joyce Reece-Hill says
To the family of Cornelius “Death is not the opposite of life but part of it”. Sorry for your loss, be strong in the Lord.
P GRAVES says
REST IN PARADISE BIG BROTHER !!!
YOUR SMILE WAS A JOY TO BEHOLD – ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD