Bishop Clarence Cornish Sr.

Obituary “This is the day that the Lord hath made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 The Honorable Bishop Clarence Cornish, Sr. was born on Tuesday, September 30, 1930 in Kent Island, Maryland. He is the son of the late Rosie Lee Major Cornish and Andrew William Cornish. On Saturday, November 25, 2017, obediently Bishop answered our Lord and Savior's call and surrendered. Our "Prayer Warrior" went peacefully to be with the Lord. Bishop Cornish was a veteran and proud to have served in the United States Army, from which he received an honorable discharge. He attended the Pine Street Elementary School in Cambridge and graduated from St. Clair High School in Cambridge, Maryland. In addition, he furthered his education at Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown, Delaware. Later, he earned a Doctorate Degree in Theology. In his earlier years, he was employed by the Delaware Veterans Hospital located in Elsmere, Delaware. He knew the dignity of hard work. He took pride in providing for his family and the ministry. One of the greatest achievements of all was in the early 50's, Bishop Cornish surrendered and accepted the Lord as his Personal Savior. He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost. He continued laboring in the vineyard and later began his ministry under the leadership of Elder Irving. Bishop Cornish was the Founder, Pastor and General Overseer of The New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Jesus Incorporated of the Apostolic Faith in Cambridge, Maryland. He established new ministries in such locations as Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Syracuse, New York, Marion, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. He was known throughout the United States for his dedication to the ministry. He developed and ordained many preachers and baptized hundreds of people according to Acts 2:38. Bishop Cornish loved his children and grandchildren. He loved to teach and preach. He was a great mentor in the community and surrounding areas. Bishop was always willing to extend his hands to help all that he could. His passion was helping people. He impacted many people in positive ways. He would oftentimes greet with his favorite expressions, “I got it” or he would say, “I'm working on it.” Bishop Clarence Cornish leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Sister Dora Bryan Cornish of Cambridge, Maryland. He leaves behind fond memories with his former spouse, Mother Rosalee Cornish and their sixteen children: four daughters, Joyce Bell (Roy) of Cambridge, Maryland; Evangelist Theresa Davis of Cambridge, Maryland; Priscilla Cornish of South Carolina; Jusortine Cornish Burgess (Bernard) of Florence, South Carolina; twelve sons, Clarence Cornish Jr. (Sandra) of Baltimore, Maryland; James Cornish, Sr. (Suzanne) of Cambridge, Maryland; Apostle Anthony Cornish (Edwina) of Wilmington, Delaware; Jerry Cornish, Sr. (Mary) of Cambridge, Maryland; Bishop Keith Cornish (Tina) of Cambridge, Maryland; Apostle David Cornish, Sr. (Dionne) of Wilmington, Delaware; Prophet John Cornish, Sr. of Cambridge, Maryland; Bishop Hojane Cornish, Sr. (Elizabeth) of Cambridge, Maryland; Rip Cornish, Sr. (Monica) of Cambridge, Maryland; Clarence Cornish III (Aja) of Salisbury, Maryland and Monsunta Cornish, Sr. (Barbara) of Cambridge, Maryland. Lee Allen Cornish and GeEtt Cornish, Sr. both preceded him in death. Bishop Clarence Cornish leaves to cherish his memories two precious sisters: Mother Margaret Cephas of Hurlock, Maryland and Sister Audrey George of Cambridge, Maryland. Bishop also had many adopted children including five step children: Tanera Cephas of Columbia, South Carolina, Kishia Cephas of Cambridge, Maryland, Dwight Cephas (Diane) of Cambridge, Maryland; Steven Cephas (Tyann) of Cambridge, Maryland and Brian Cephas (Tameka) of Cambridge, Maryland, as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Bishop was preceded in death by his lovely mother, Rosie Lee Major Cornish, his father, Andrew William Cornish and six siblings—Valerie Cornish Copper, Ernestine Cornish Thompson, Deloise Cornish, James Cornish, Andrew Cornish Sr., Melvin Cornish and Larry Cornish. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bishop Clarence Cornish Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Bishop Clarence Cornish Sr.

September 30, 1930 - November 25, 2017