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Cynthia Cornell

February 25, 1959 - April 4, 2018

Cynthia Jean (Turner) Cornell, 59, passed away early morning Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Known as Cyndee to her many friends, she was born February 25, 1959, the daughter of Billy Dean and Carolyn Jean (Dyer) Turner in Springfield, IL. She married Donald McNair Cornell III at Williamsville Christian Church on April 25, 1981. They were married almost 37 years.

Cyndee and Don have two sons: Christopher McNair (Jason) Cornell and Eric Scott Cornell. She is survived by her parents, husband, and children.

Also surviving are her four brothers: Gerald Wm. (Susan), David M. (Jenn), Brent M. and Brian M. (Ann); and her younger sister Pamela J. Turner. Her older sister Cheryl Eagles passed away in 2015.

Cyndee graduated from Williamsville High School in 1977. She was active in high school programs, including as Class President and the Drama and Speech Club.

She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications and later received counseling and teaching certificates from Amarillo College and Northeastern State University, respectively. Cyndee was passionate about helping her community and its youth with substance abuse issues. She was a Lead Counselor at The Panhandle Treatment Center in Guymon, OK for four years, and then served as the Student Assistant Program Coordinator at Jenks Public Schools in Jenks, OK for 12 years. After moving to Des Moines, she worked in the marketing division of Sam’s Club. Cyndee was loved by her students, and admired and respected by her co-workers.

Cyndee passed away suddenly due to unexpected medical complications. Her family is comforted to know that she at peace with her beloved sister Cheryl.

A celebration of life will be held at Williamsville Christian Church in Williamsville, IL, on Saturday, April 7. Visitation 10-11am. Service 11-12pm. Rev. David Beals will be officiating the service.

Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery north of Williamsville, with lunch at the church following interment.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the Cornell family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.