Cornelia Onwuatuegwu Obituary

Cornelia Fay (Smith) Onwuatuegwu was born on July 6th, 1964, at Flemming hospital in Elgin, Texas at 1:25 AM, to Ceolia Marie Smith and the late Lonzo Gene Smith Sr. Cornelia accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Cornelia attended school in Elgin, Texas, where she grew as an avid athlete, competing in volleyball, softball, track & field, where she was recognized at the state level in the strong competition-shotput and discus division. After completing her education in Elgin, Cornelia relocated to Giddings, Texas, where she gave birth to her daughter Qyshawn Bradshaw. Cornelia later moved to Bastrop, Texas, where she began her career as a certified nursing assistant, serving for over a decade. After her tenure as a CNA, Cornelia moved back to her hometown of Elgin to give birth to her son William H. Hawkins III and enjoy some of her passions amongst family and friends, which included: playing pool, taking care of her plants, dancing, and listening to music. Cornelia's true passion was caregiving and spreading joy, whether at work or throughout her family. Cornelia is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; father Lonzo Gene Smith, and brother Harold Smith. Family left to cherish her loving memory are her mother, Ceolia M. Smith; Children Qyshawn Bradshaw and William H. Hawkins III; siblings, Lonnie M. Smith-Vincent, Lonzo G. Smith Jr. (Bernette), Alfred Smith (Shelia), Lee E. Smith(Pam), and Tavet W. Smith, her beloved grand-dog, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Thursday, May 22nd, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 PM under the auspices of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be held at Elgin Latin Cemetery.