Cornelius was born April 08, 1957, to the late Cornelius (Izella) Louis Sr. He confessed to Christ at the age of 14 at Morning Star M.B. Church, Lamont, MS, under the leadership of Rev. W.L. Jones. Cornelius accepted his calling in 2011, under the leadership of Carlton Earl. Cornelius later joined New Lifestyle Church in Greenville, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Gregory C. Lance Sr., where he was licensed and ordained. He served as an Elder and devoted Sunday school superintendent. Of all his achievements, none gave him greater satisfaction than to see lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a "faith teacher" of the gospel, and was an impact to those who had been touched through his preaching and teaching in his short but yet full life. As it was in the life of Jesus, Cornelius' skills as a professional carpenter allowed him to interact with people of various ethnicities and class status. This profession gave him the opportunity to provide for his family, and expand his ministerial outreach where he encouraged many to come to Christ. He was employed for 27 years with the Kroger Corporation and retired as a grocery manager. He attended Greenville High School in 1976, accepting an academic and band scholarship. He furthered his education, graduating from Mississippi Valley State in 1980 with a bachelor's in industrial technology. He worked as a licensed contractor until he was called home to glory.