Doris Jean (Fearnow) Cornelius
1935-2022
With deep sorrow we share the passing of our mother, Doris Cornelius on December 28 at Doey’s House, Hospice of Washington County. She was preceded in death in 2019 by her husband, W. Merle Cornelius, Jr. In addition to Merle, she was preceded in death by her parents W. McKinley Fearnow, Lola (Hovermale) Fearnow, and siblings Paul Fearnow, Clyde Fearnow, and Cathleen (Fearnow) Bergen.
Doris was born in Hagerstown, Md. on September 23, 1935. She was raised in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and throughout her life she called it home. Doris graduated from Berkeley Springs HS in 1953, where she was actively involved as a member of the marching band and as a majorette. After high school, she attended Washington County School of Nursing, graduating in 1956. She worked as a registered nurse for 40 years, primarily in the Washington County Hospital Emergency Room, until her retirement in 1997. After her retirement, she participated in various volunteer positions. She loved animals, and especially enjoyed her time volunteering at the Humane Society of Washington County.
She and our father were devoted to each other for 63 years. Together they resided in our childhood Hagerstown home for 49 years. She was the “resident nurse” for our family and neighbors, providing countless hours of guidance, caring, and support. Her calm, practical, and caring nature were all assets to her lifelong nursing profession.
She will be remembered by her family as an amazing cook, though she rarely used a recipe. We were inspired by her sense of loyalty, devoted faith, and strong commitment to her personal values. During the last years of her life she resided at the Memory Care Unit of Homewood, Williamsport, Md.
Doris loved spending time with her family, and is survived by her 4 children: Terry Cornelius of Hagerstown, Cindy (Craig) Rockwell of Mercersburg, Pa./Sullivan’s Island, S.C., Randy (Susan) Cornelius of Hagerstown, and Suzy (Eddie) VanMetre of Williamsport, Md., her 7 grandchildren: Leah Rockwell, Matt Rockwell, Adam Cornelius, Amy Prince, Liza Patterson, Rachel VanMetre and Veronica VanMetre and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Washington County and Doey’s House for helping her passage to her lord God proceed with care, dignity and compassion.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on February 4, 2023 at Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, Md. Family will receive friends from 2 – 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Humane Society of Washington County, MD 13011 Maugansville Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740.
