Jerlene Gambrell Cornwall was born on March 16, 1935 to the late Rev. Frank Gambrell and Halicue Parker Gambrell. She accepted Christ at an early age at Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence, MS where her father ministered.

Affectionately known as "Sister," she was the first of four consecutive daughters born after eight sons with an additional two sons following. The four girls shared a very special bond and many common interests.

After completing high school, she attended Jackson State University and received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She began her career as a first-grade teacher and settled in Greenwood, MS. Shortly thereafter, she united in holy matrimony with Dr. Shirley McVaine Cornwall and joined St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.  She left the classroom to focus on her growing family and was a devoted mother to six sons.

Jerlene had many interests and was always on the move. She was known for her culinary skills and her green thumb – always welcoming family and friends to enjoy wonderful home cooked meals and fresh produce from her garden. She remained active working with her eldest son at his dental practice and enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

She was a member of the Pine Belt Quilting Guild and a die-hard fan of the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys football teams.

Jerlene is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Frank Gambrell and Halique Parker Gambrell, and eleven siblings: Julius, Frank Jr., McHatten, Emmett, Percy, Marion, Curtis, Charles, Versia Dennis, Andrew, and Daniel.

Left to cherish her memories: her sons: Howard of Vicksburg, MS, Caral of Arlington, TX, Cedric of Wauwatosa, WI, Rupert (Emma) of Columbus, MS, Vicount (Mary) of Carrollton, TX and Francis (Mary) of Arlington, TX; sisters: Maggie Martin (Eric) of Hattiesburg, MS and Mildred Jenkins (Everett) of Mequon, WI; grandchildren: Elyse and Nicole of Wauwatosa, WI, Emily (Byron) of Houston, TX, Elizabeth and Kathlyn of Columbus, MS, Stephen of Tuscaloosa, AL, Jonnae (Xavier) of Houston, TX, Victoria and Nicholas of Carrollton, TX, Jacqueline and Catherine of Arlington, TX; great-grandsons: Liam of Columbus, MS and Jace of Houston,TX; and a host of nieces and nephews.