Martha Florine (“Flo”) Cornwell died on March 6, 2014. She was born on March 30, 1914 the youngest child of Daniel Jackson Jordan and Ira Moore Jordan. Flo is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Howard Jordan and Scott Jordan. She was a graduate of Dardanelle High School. Flo married the love of her life, Thomas Ray (“T. Ray”) Cornwell, Sr. on December 5, 1935. She and Ray were married for almost 66 years prior to his death on September 19, 2001. She is also preceded in death by their infant son who died at birth.
Flo was a wonderful cook following in the footsteps of her father who owned bakeries and cafes during his lifetime. Her home cooked food was always the highlight of church suppers, PTA dinners and sitting at her dinner table was a treat for all who were blessed to partake of her food. Her specialties included homemade bread and rolls, fried pies and chicken and dumplings. Nothing delighted Flo more than to cook a big meal and have her family present to enjoy it. She loved to can and freeze produce that Ray raised in his large vegetable garden. Ray was a great outdoorsman who loved to fish and Flo could fry the best fish with homemade hushpuppies. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made beautiful handcrafted items. She and Ray loved Razorback sports and were avid Razorback fans.
Flo loved the Lord and she raised her family in a Christian home. She worked in Vacation Bible School and was active in Sunday School and WMU. Prior to her death Flo was the oldest member of First Baptist Church, Prairie Grove. In addition, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. One of the highlights of her life was hearing Rev. Billy Graham preach a Revival at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Flo leaves a legacy of a loving family. A wonderful, wife, mother and grandmother, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her three children, Thomas Ray Cornwell, Jr. and wife Eva, Nancy Cornwell Templeton and husband Freddie, and Martha Cornwell Haguewood and husband Mark all of Fayetteville. There are six grandchildren, Melanie Templeton Sergeant and husband Steve, Todd Templeton and wife Shanyce, Tracy Cornwell Simpson and husband Jimmy, Lisa Cornwell, Jonathan Haguewood and wife Lacy, and Amanda Haguewood. There are nine great-grandchildren, Brian Sergeant, Madyson, McKaden & McKinley Templeton, Olivia & James Simpson, Remy Haguewood and Cody & Collin Hail. In addition, there are numerous nieces and nephews who survive her.
The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate staff of Katherine’s Place in Fayetteville for providing loving care to “Miss Flo” the last three years.
Visitation will be held at Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel in Prairie Grove on Monday, March 10 from 1:00 – 2:00. Celebration of Flo’s life will be held immediately following at 2:00. A graveside committal service will be held at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle on Tuesday, March 11, at 11:00. Funeral services in Prairie Grove are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Graveside services in Dardanelle are directed by Cornwell Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to WRMC Hospice, 34 Colt Square, Suite 1, Fayetteville, AR 72703.