Betty Jean Cornish's Obituary
Betty Jean, fondly called “Jean”, was born January 22, 1934, to the union of Harrison Stephens and Ina Mae McCray Stephens in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was the 3rd of 6 children, being the oldest girl, from this union. Betty Jean accepted Jehovah at an early age spending most of her adult life under the guidance of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In her early years, Betty Jean was a nanny caring for young children that took her from Louisiana to New York before settling in Los Angeles, CA. Introduced by close friends, Billy Ray and Maline Harper, Betty Jean met her soon to be husband Clarence “CD” Cornish. They were married in January 1967 and from this union Kelvin Arnell and Morey Terrel were born. When the boys became school age, Betty Jean had such a love for children she began volunteering at their school. Her presence on campus had such an impact that the administration encouraged her to become a permanent employee. Betty Jean lived a humbled life and was loved by those that came to know her. After retiring as a longshoreman, CD and Betty Jean packed up and moved from Los Angeles and settled in Highland, CA. Betty Jean loved to cook, so she found part-time work as a demonstrator for Costco and Sam’s Club in San Bernardino. She was a southern gal and hosting barbeques annually for family and friends brought her joy. Her thought was always cook for the masses. Her compassion and love for family showed in the care she gave to her ailing father-in-law and then later with her husband CD Cornish.
In the early hours of January 31, 2020, Jehovah called Betty Jean home. Betty Jean was preceded in death by her husband, CD Cornish; her parents Harrison, Sr. and Ina Mae; siblings: Harrison Stephens, Jr. and Cleo Byous. She leaves to cherish her memory her 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Kelvin & Denise and Morey & Tosha; 4 grandchildren: Jaelen Terrell, Daysia Naima, Maliyah Denai and Cheyenne Arnel; 1 great-granddaughter: Artemis Ivie; siblings: Henry (Brother) Stephens, Plummer Stephens, Sonny Stephens and Hazel Stephens Red; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Special Thank You
It takes a special person with unconditional love and compassion to care for an ailing person. God is intentional in placing people in your life, and we want to thank those that have walked this journey with us and provided love and care, prayers, visits, a kind word or loving gesture as we prayed for God’s mercy in giving Betty Jean peace. We were blessed to have you.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?

