CORNELIUS TOOMER JR., affectionately known as Nealie or Toomer was born on July 17, 1952. Toomer was the fourth of ten children born to the late Cornelius Sr. and Olga Toomer in Camden, New Jersey. Being a child of Panamanian descent, he quickly learned the meaning of family, hard work, and discipline. Toomer’s educational career started in the New Jersey school system where he completed elementary and secondary school, eventually earning his high school diploma at Edgewood Regional High. During his high school years, Toomer found his love for football as a defensive linemen. While in high school he was awarded defensive player of the year his senior year. Upon high school graduation in 1972, he continued his education career at Glassboro State College, but later decided in September of 1974, to enlist in the United States Navy.
Three short years after serving his country, he later devoted his love to his high school sweetheart, Yvonne “Bonnie” Harris on June 5, 1977. From this union, three beautiful daughters were born, Shonyette, Tennille, and Ebony. In 1981, Toomer decided to move his wife and children to Norfolk, Virginia. While residing in Virginia, Toomer continued his military career, which included over ten years on the USS Normandy (CG-60) a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, where he made many lifetime friends. After being awarded a Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Battle “E” (5 Awards), Good Conduct Award (5 Awards), National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (W/2 Bronze Stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 Awards), Kuwait Liberation Service Medal, Toomer would later retire after twenty years of service as a DK1 (Disbursement Clerk) in 1994. While retired, Toomer enjoyed volunteering and helping his community. In 2002, Toomer felt a greater calling to teach and serve. As a result, he became a paraprofessional at Booker T. Washington High School with Norfolk Public Schools. Toomer was so committed to the students and staff that he dedicated twenty years to the school community, where he once again retired in June of 2022. He was loved and a valuable member of the staff, and he cherished every moment with the students he worked with.
Toomer lived his life to the fullest. He found joy in small treasures. The treasures in which he found the most joy were his wife, three daughters, grandchildren, and his passion for Nike, the Dallas Cowboys, and dressing well. All those that knew Toomer recognized his impeccable style. He was a sharp dresser who took pride in making sure every suit had a matching shoe, and every hoodie had a matching hat and sneaker. This same style was evident in his love for decorating the family home or growing his plants. But most of all, Toomer treasured his family. His daughters and grandchildren made him proud, and he loved to share their accomplishments. Toomer’s most prized treasure was his dear wife and partner, Bonnie, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.
Toomer was preceded in death by his grandmother (Louise), mother (Olga), father (Cornelius Sr.), sisters (Sandra) (Debra). He leaves to cherish his memories, wife Bonnie, three daughters, Shonyette Louise, Tennille Denise, and Ebony Essence (William) all of Norfolk, Virginia. Three grandsons, Daquan Davis, Tyrique Jenkins, and William (EJ) McCoy II. One granddaughter, MaKenzie McCoy and one great grand, Miaja Jenkins. Six sisters, Pam Judah, Barbara Bullock, Shawn DeAngelis (Massimo), Denise Covington (Kyle), Antoinette Schwartz (James), and Doreen Toomer. One brother, Enrique Toomer. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and shipmates he loved dearly.
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Linda Luster says
January 22, 2023 at 2:32 pmPraying God’s comfort and strength to you and your family .
Darrell J Nelson says
January 24, 2023 at 4:19 pmRest easy my brother May God keep you in his humble embrace.You have fought the good fight. Your Friend and Shipmate CW02 Darrell J. Nelson
Jean Williams says
January 25, 2023 at 3:53 pmMy deepest condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽
Jean Williams says
January 25, 2023 at 3:54 pmAsking God to give you the strength to endure your pain. 🙏🏽
Earl and Reese Hargrove says
January 25, 2023 at 3:58 pmAsking God to bless you and your family during the lost of your love one. 🙏🏽
Rickey L Ross says
January 26, 2023 at 4:25 amFROM YOUR MEADOWBROOK WOODS NEIGHBORS: “Bonnie Toomer, we’re sorry for your loss, and offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family – thinking of you at this difficult time.”
Gwen & Gianna Toomer says
January 26, 2023 at 9:18 amSending love, hugs and prayers to you Bonnie and the family. My deepest condolences and may Nealie rest in perfect peace.
Michelle Davis says
January 26, 2023 at 2:59 pmToomer family, may the memories held deep inside your heart help to comfort you during this difficult time. You’re in my prayers and thoughts. With deepest sympathy. ~ Michelle Hardy (Davis)
Glen and Bernie Datden says
January 26, 2023 at 8:11 pmHeaven has gained another Angel. To the Toomer family please accept our deepest condolences. Bonnie I pray that you and the family will find peace and comfort knowing Cornelius is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Every flower he planted will bloom and flourish within your hearts forever 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️💕. Love y’all
Chavon Bell says
January 26, 2023 at 8:16 pmSending love and light to comfort you all during this time. Prayers to the family. May God continue to order your steps and leave you with the most positive memories. Love you much~Chavon Bell