Winter Haven, Fl- Alabama First lady, Cornelia Ellis Wallace, 69, passed away Jan. 8, 2009 after battling cancer.

Cornelia was born in Elba, Al on January 28, 1939. the daughter of Charles and Rubie Ellis. Cornelia's mother, Rubie, was one of two sisters of "Big Jim Folsom", a two term Governor of Alabama. Cornelia was best known as the second wife of Alabama Governor George C. Wallace. But, for her three sons, the loving memories center around Winter Haven and her marriage to the grandson of a Florida citrus pioneer, John A. Snively Sr.

Cornelia moved from Alabama to Winter Haven to water ski at beautiful Cypress Gardens. She was an extremely attractive woman, who caught the eye of John A. Snively III, a citrus grower, whose family was one of the largest citrus growers and packers in the state of Florida. The two married in 1963 and had two children, Jim and Josh; John III had a son from a previous marriage, John IV (Jack). Cornelia was a wonderful mother and wife; she doted on her three boys and loved to hunt and fish with her husband on the family cattle ranch in Lake Wales, Fl. She enjoyed horseback riding, teaching her boys to water ski and planning elaborate birthday parties, with theme cakes; she was full of life and loved her family dearly. She also loved her Lord Jesus Christ, and always took Jack, Jim and Josh to church and Sunday school; she would also read them Bible verses and taught them to love the Lord as well. Cornelia's life was a testament to the virtues of being a dedicated wife and a loving mother; she did so to the very end.

She is survived by her three sons Jack, Jim and Josh Snively, and her grand children, Addison Snively, Keagan Snively, Riley Stewart, Sydney Stewart, Ansley Stewart, Austin Snively, Tyler Snively and Hunter Snively and her brother, Charles Ellis, .

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm till 7:00pm, Sunday, January 11, 2009 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care,2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven, FL. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 12, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven.  Interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to NAMI of Florida, 316 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL  32301 or http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?MicrositeID=279  

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.