Cornelius Williams Sr.

Life’s Journey

Cornelius Drake Williams, Sr.

To plant a seed in one’s heart…to root it in love…

To nourish it with time spent together…

Yields a blossom that will flourish forever.

Cornelius Drake Williams, Sr., was born on February 11, 1957, in Denver, Colorado, to his parents, Cleophas Smith and Rose Marie Williams. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Michael and Cecil, and his sisters, Angela, Sharon, and Christine. As a child, he was always helpful. He loved helping his elderly neighbors by shoveling snow. He received his early education by attending Manual High School.

On February 11, 1981, Cornelius married Brenda Burton. They first met while attending a social gathering. They enjoyed sharing during gatherings with family and friends. To this union, Corneluis, Jr. and Rose Marie were born. Rose fondly remembers him teaching her to cook anytime, day or night. Corneluis remembers his dad coming home after a night of partying and parking his car near or anywhere he could get close to home. He has parked in the middle of the street or sometimes on the neighbor’s lawn. They never complained but would simply call to let him know. He was later blessed with sixteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him “Pops” and fondly remember all the happy and memorable moments shared together. He shared a special birthday with his granddaughter, Hanani, whose birthday was also February 11.

By profession, Cornelius was a Bartender. He worked in several clubs in the local area. Cornelius was hard-wording and dedicated. He truly enjoyed serving and mingling with the patrons.

A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Cornelius was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church located in Denver. He joined the church at a very early age.

Cornelius was a fun-loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. His closest friends, Lou Baker, Steve Carter, Dre, Messy Marvin, T, Chucky Boston, and Napoleon, who were often called the “Crue,” will miss the comraderies they all shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend. They will miss playing card games, dominoes, watching games, and partying together. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man who had a smile that would light up any room and was always up for a good party. He was born on February 11, married on February 11, had a grandchild on February 11, and now buried on February 11.

To know Cornelius was to love him.

Cornelius Drake Williams, Sr. departed this life on January 24, 2022. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include three sons, Corneluis D. (Nancy) Williams, Jr., Drake G. Wadsworth, and Ta-Rell L. Burton; one daughter, Rose M. Burton; three brothers, Michael Smith, Cecil (Paula) Smith, and Darrell Davis; five sisters, Sharon Hall, Christine Smith, Augusta Jean (Russell) Horton, Elola Milledge and Ava Bange; sixteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.