Cornett, Mary L. 1935-2026 St. Joseph, Mo.
Mary Lee (Lankard) Cornett, 90, of St. Joseph, was born in Anderson County, Kansas, to John “Jack” and Josie (Drybread) Lankard, on Aug. 6, 1935. The family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1945 where she wed Jim Cornett on Aug. 28, 1955, and shared 41 years of marriage.
Mary went to Field Kinley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas, and earned her A.A. degree from Coffeyville Community College before earning her B.S. from the University of Arkansas and M.S. from C.M.S.U. She also studied at the University of California and Long Beach State University.
Mary had a varied professional career teaching secondary and adult students in Victorville, California; Springfield, Columbia, Sikeston, Raytown, Independence, and St. Joseph. Mary shifted to the business world in 1978 as a human resource professional for American Family Insurance Company, M.W.S.U. Later she became the owner/manager of Express Personnel Services and owner/President of Cornett Automotive, the current family business. In 2014, Mary was honored with the Woman of Excellence in Business.
Mary was a faithful member of the Ashland United Methodist Church and served as a trustee and a member of the Pastor/Parish Committee. Mary was also active in the St. Joseph community serving on the boards for Allied Arts Council, Performing Arts Association, St. Joseph Safety Council, Workforce Investment Board, Second Harvest Food Bank and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, where she served as the first woman to be elected as Chairman of the Board in 1997. Member and past-president of the Northwest Missouri Personnel Association. Long-time member and past-chairman of the Chamber Diplomats; Rotary Club E32; member and past-president of Chapter ED, P.E.O. and the T.T.T. Society. Worked in various volunteer activities for the Salvation Army, Hillyard Technical Center, St. Joseph Public School Foundation, Y.W.C.A. and various workforce development initiatives and political campaigns. More recently Mary has been involved with the Freudenthal Center for Parkinson’s Disease where she boxed weekly to build strength, flexibility and balance to fight Parkinson’s.
Mary enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, mahjong, and casino. Countless summers were enjoyed camping in Minnesota and at nearby state parks. Known fondly as Grandma Mary, she hosted most holiday and birthday gatherings for her family.
We celebrated Mary’s 90th birthday in August 2025 where she was able to visit with so many of her family and friends. Mary and her family were overjoyed by the love and fellowship of those that helped commemorate the big occasion.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Cornett; her sister, Jackie Clough; brother-in-law, Charles “Pug” Clough; and nephew, Jon Clough.
Mary is survived by her children, Kevin (Sylvia) Cornett, St. Joseph, and Kerry Cornett (Dave Leahy) of Independence, Missouri; as well as her grandchildren, Darrell (Magen) Cornett, Independence, Rachel Cornett, Kansas City, and Shannon Cornett, of St. Joseph; along with great-grandchildren, Killian Cornett, Declan Cornett, Evelyn Guinn, Vivian Guinn, Alexandria Cornett, Harper Cornett and Camilla Cornett; and other extended family and friends.
Farewell Services 1 p.m. Monday, Ashland United Methodist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Freudenthal Center for Parkinson’s Disease, Freudenthal Home Health, or Freudenthal Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
