Emma Jane Cornelius

On Sunday evening, October 20, 2024, our Lord saw fit to call our sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to come join the heavenly choir.

Emma J. Cornelius affectionately known as Torchie was a native of Norfolk, Virginia. The daughter of the late Henry and Rosetta Cornelius born on July 23, 1939. Emma, was a graduate of Saint Joseph Catholic School. She later went on to earn her bachelors and masters degrees from Norfolk State University. Throughout the years she continued her education and certifications in Special Education.

Professionally, Emma retired from Suffolk Public Schools in 2013. She spent her professional career as a special education teacher. She loved working with children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Some of her past employers were The Pines Treatment Center, Chesapeake Group Home, Sara Hudgins, Norfolk Public Schools, South Eastern Virginia Training Center, and South Hampton County Public Schools.  Emma dedicated over forty years to her profession. She was known to feed her students and colleagues daily and her dedication extended beyond the classroom.

Outside of her professional life, much like her mother Torchie loved to entertain. She enjoyed cooking and inviting her friends and loved ones to dinner. She was an amazing cook! Her loved ones will miss her greens, homemade pound cake, and her famous sweet tea because in her words “I’m a cook baby!” She was passionate about fashion and makeup. She loved to wear her nails long and wear her hair big!  She would often tell people that she was a fox! She meant that to her core. She wanted to look good everywhere she went and even if she was at home her lounge clothes were fly too.

While many that loved Torchie have gone on it is our hope that she is reunited with her parents, her special cousin Shirley, and her big boy Phillip. She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister LaCountis Privott, one brother Delvin Fuller, two special nieces Phyllis Shepherd (Scott) and Purvina Privott two special great-nieces who called her Maudie ShaNyah Privott and BryLeigh Shepherd, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Emma will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, generosity, and compassionate spirit will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.