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 3 ^rd 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.

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. )