Phyllis Cornell

Phyllis Cornell was born in Corry, Pennsylvania on July 9th, 1944, to Roberta and M.W. 'Bill' Jaggi and passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. She attended Corry schools and the First United Methodist Church of Corry. In 1959 her parents, sister Carol, and she moved to San Diego. She first attended San Diego's Hoover High School, then transferred to Mission Bay High School, where she graduated in 1962. During that period she met the love of her life, Neil Cornell. Phyllis went on to attend San Diego City College, where she became Homecoming Queen, and then graduated with her Associates of Art degree. She then transferred to San Diego State University, where she completed her college education. During that time, she worked at the Roxie Theater and the Black Angus, where she made many life-long friends. After college, Phyllis attended the Braniff Flight Attendant College in Dallas, Texas, where she graduated as Valedictorian, at the top of her class. She then went to work for Braniff and flew out of Minnesota, Texas, and New York. She loved her work as a flight attendant, but also knew that she wanted to marry her long-time love Neil and start a family. She believed that if she stayed working for Braniff, it would not be conducive to a married life and children. Phyllis and Neil were married in 1967 at the Prescott United Methodist Church. They lived in San Diego, where they had their first son Chad in 1969. They moved to Prescott in 1971 and had their second and last son Jason in 1972. Phyllis loved to be involved with charities, especially leading events that would benefit the community and its people. She was active in the Arizona Governor's Council for Highway Safety for a number of years. She served as the statewide Coordinator for Operation Lifesaver. Phyllis served as President of Prescott Junior Woman’s Club and later Yavapai Junior Woman's Club. She served a term as the Vice President of the Northern District, AZ Federation of Women's Clubs. She was the Area Coordinator for the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon for several years. Phyllis was one of the main people spearheading the saving and eventual moving of the Bashford house to its final location on the Sharlot Hall Museum property. She served on the early Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council while a co-owner, with her artist-craftsman husband Neil, of the Cornell Design Studio. Every year, for many years, Phyllis led her family to help another family in need. They would secretly find out what could most help that family for Christmas, and they would anonymously deliver presents, food and whatever else was needed on Christmas Eve. It was Phyllis' own private “Secret Santa” project. In 1975 Phyllis went to school to become a Realtor. She eventually became a Broker. During her career, she received many awards. She was in the Prudential Presidents Circle of Realtors over 11 times. She was Agent of the Month more than 26 times. She was the number one selling associate over 18 times. She was awarded the Leading Edge award at least 7 times. Phyllis received the Pinnacle award many times, and she was honored as being part of the Prudential Honor Society. She owned her own real estate firm for many years, but enjoyed working with the people much more than owning the company so chose to remain an agent. One of her many impressive accomplishments was her involvement in the development and sales of the Haisley Homestead and Hidden Valley subdivisions. Phyllis (Fopie and Philo, as known by her family) was an amazing and wonderful person. When she would come around you, even if you were in a bad mood, you usually ended up leaving with a smile, just because you couldn't help it. She made the world a better place for everyone she touched! She was a selfless person, always concerned more for others than herself. She will be dearly missed by those of us who had the honor of having her as a part of our lives! Phyllis is survived by her husband Neil; their son Chad and his two children Caleb and Chloe; their son Jason and his wife Kristi and their two children Corbin and Keeley; plus sisters Carol, Clarice, and Shari and brother Richard; and numerous nieces and nephews, plus many more extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you leave a story or special memory that you had with Phyllis. The family has set up a Facebook page, an email address, and a P.O. Box, for anyone that wishes to share. Email address: phylliscornell1944_2014@yahoo.com Mail to: Phyllis Cornell, P.O. Box 13175, Prescott, Az., 86304 Facebook Page: Phylliscornell1944.2014@groups.facebook.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/344438679027744