Luella Marie Cornelius, born on November 1, 1938, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of eighty-six, following a brief illness.

Luella was the cherished daughter of Ralph and Veronica Peters, whom she loved wholeheartedly. She was preceded in death by her friend and husband, Jimmie Cornelius Sr.; her beloved son, Jimmie Lee Cornelius Jr.; and her dear baby brother, Lil Ralph Peters. Luella held the memory of each one especially close to her heart.

Her children survive her: Lisa Fleming, Tammy Knapp, and Larry Cornelius, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally. Her greatest joys and keys to her happiness were spending time with and talking about her grandchildren, James Darrin Foreman, Annalisa Blackbourn and husband Justin, Gavin Cornelius, Wyatt Knapp, Carson Fleming, and Baxter Cornelius; and her cherished new great-grandson, Owen Blackbourn. Luella also loved all her nieces and nephews, too many to name, yet they know who they are.

Luella shared a special, lifelong bond with her siblings, Kitty Beck and her husband Roger, Karen Neeley and her husband Tom, Kay Lieber and her husband and Lue's basketball buddy who passed away earlier this year, Joe, and Donnie Peters and his wife Linda. She was also dearly loved by her in-laws, John and Charlotte Cornelius; and her husband's deceased sister, Lucille and her deceased husband Jim Kimball. All these groups' mutual love and support for one another was the definition of family—steadfast, warm, and unconditional. She also treasured her extended family, especially her first son-in-law, James Foreman, and Thomas Fleming, both of whom she loved dearly and lost far too soon. She welcomed Sonja Cornelius as a daughter from the start and held Jeff Knapp close in her heart until her final days.

Luella was full of life and personality. She was a devoted fan of her local NBA team and never missed a game. She could analyze games like a seasoned general manager, as she did while living with her husband, a basketball coach, for many years. She also loved a little excitement, specifically gambling all over our country. She loved to sip a Colorado Bulldog and play the slot/digital gaming machines over the years. Luella never missed a chance to gamble or play cards with her family and friends all night. Her annual Christmas gift exchange with her grandchildren always turned into a full-blown gambling game, with some grandkids walking away richer than others, much to her delight. Her son, Larry, will proudly debate with anyone who doubts she was the world's most experienced and best gambler.

Her life's work and career were caring for others, specifically mothers and families. A proud registered nurse and graduate of Mercy School of Nursing, Luella spent approximately 40 years with the Mercy Health System, where she served primarily as a labor and delivery mother-baby nurse. She developed lifelong relationships with other formidable nurses. She helped bring countless babies into the world and supported new mothers with warmth, wisdom, and skill, continuing a proud Peters family tradition in healthcare.

Luella's religious faith was a guiding force throughout her life. A devout Catholic, she attended Catholic schools, was active in multiple parishes, and raised her family in that same deep faith. More than anything else, Luella lived for her family. She brought an incredible, humble humor, fun, wisdom, and a caring heart to every gathering and experience. Her warmth and joy were magnetic, and to know her was to be wrapped in laughter, kindness, and unconditional love.

Luella's love, humor, and joy were magnetic. Everyone wanted to be around her—she made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother God could have placed in our family. Everyone who knows her will miss her presence and unbridled humor, and her memory will be cherished until the day we meet again.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, May 16 at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 5024 N. Grove Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK.

May her memory be a blessing and her loving spirit live on in everyone she touched.