Verna Marguerite Cornell, age 91 of Barryton, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 after COVID-19 weakened her body and spirit. She was born July 1, 1929 in Barryton, the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Sisco) Cummings. Verna graduated from Barryton Rural Agricultural High School in the spring of 1947 and on June 7, 1947 she married William F. Cornell at the Cummings Farm in Barryton after his return from serving in the Army in Germany during WWII. They lived on the family farm in the Bundy Hills in the Weidman area until 1960 when they bought the farm in Barryton on the Chippewa River. There they raised many crops, Polled Hereford cattle, Pigs, Horses, Chickens, Ducks and their Five children. Besides the farm and family, Verna worked as a nurse at the Michigan State Home and Training School in Mt. Pleasant for over 32 years.Music was a huge part of Vernas life. She sang at many events and played several instruments including the accordion, piano and organ. She was a founding member in the band, The Waybacks, and played her accordion and sang with them all around the area well into her eighties! Verna was always volunteering her time and talents supporting CHHS Orchestra Boosters, Band Boosters and Sports Boosters and most any other activity in Barryton that required her talents.She was a devout and longtime member of the Barryton Church of God. Verna sang in the choir and played the organ for services and special occasions. She made handmade quilts over the years with the Womens Group for the Church Ice Cream Social, along with many gallons of homemade ice cream. She loved serving the Church. In 1980 she joined a group from the Church and went to the Cayman Island to help build a NEW Church of God for 2 weeks. Vernas kindness, smile and warmth will truly be missed by all that knew her. She loved everyone and everyone loved her.Verna is survived by three children, Jerry (Rhonda) Cornell of Clio, Susanne (David) Smith of Durand, Tina (Bill) Henry of Grayslake, IL; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a sister Doris Sowles of Barryton and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, William, on December 16, 2013, a daughter, Jenine Stickler, a son Dennis Cornell, a Grandson, Trent Cornell; three sisters, Ardlene Grove, Evelyn Denslow and Carol Schroeder-Shaffer. A public Graveside Committal Service will take place 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2020, at Flake Cemetery in Barryton. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held prior to the burial on Monday at the Barryton Church of God. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date next year when the world will allow us to all gather together again.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Vernas name may be made to the Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund, c/o MCCF P.O. Box 1012-C, Big Rapids, MI 49307, The Barryton Senior Center or the Barryton Church of God.Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton. Those wishing to view Vernas recorded funeral service may go to www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com and to her obituary page; you may also share a memory or sign the online guestbook at our website. Graveside ServiceMonday, December 28, 20201:30 PMFlake Cemetery18700 20th AvenueBarryton,MI49305