Kayla Antoinette Cornelius

Kayla Antoinette Cornelius, age 35 years, passed from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Kayla had shared with her family that she wanted a “golden and fancy” birthday and she certainly received that as she left this earthly life for her heavenly home. At the time of her passing at Barnes-Jewish Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Kayla was surrounded by members of her loving family. Kayla was born May 30, 1991 in Tell City, Indiana. Kayla is survived by: her parents – Jeffrey Cornelius of Simpson, Illinois and Connie (Weatherholt) Cornelius of Tunnel Hill, Illinois; her siblings – Tenton (Andra) Cornelius, Rebecca (John) Philpott, Elijah (Deidra) Cornelius, Uriah (Alyssa) Cornelius, Zebulon (Hillary) Cornelius, and Isaiah (Olivia) Cornelius; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Kayla was preceded in death by: her paternal grandparents – Lemuel and Vara Cornelius and her maternal grandparents – Jess and Gail Weatherholt. Kayla was a graduate of New Simpson Hill Grade School. She attended Vienna High School through her sophomore year and then transferred to Lone Oak High School, graduating in 2009. Kayla's recent ambition was to continue her education at a Bible college. Kayla was a member of Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church near Simpson, Illinois. Kayla was a true servant of God. She loved the Lord and cherished time spent in God’s word. Kayla also loved music and was an accomplished writer and author. Kayla is remembered for her sweet spirit, generous and giving heart and her compassion and kindness. Even in her final moments, she was offering comfort to those around her. Kayla would often say that she was the “happiest girl of my life!” A service honoring the life of Kayla Cornelius will be conducted Friday afternoon, June 5, 2026, at 1 P.M. at Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 4385 Gilead Church Road, Simpson, Illinois. Pastor Doug Hughes will officiate. Kayla’s siblings will also share in honor of their sister during the service. Burial will be in the Gilead Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, June 4, 2026, from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church. There will also be a time of visitation Friday afternoon June 5, 2026, from 12 Noon until the service hour at 1 P.M. at the church. Memorials may be made to the Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center, 1610 Luther Lane, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 or by donating online at www.advocatehealth.com or to the Tim Tebow Foundation (Night to Shine), P.O. Box 1335, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32004 or by donating online at www.timtebowfoundation.org To share a memory of Kayla or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Kayla Antoinette Cornelius

May 30, 1991 - May 30, 2026