Ever so quietly and ever so peacefully on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom gently closed the eyes of our beloved aunt, RODA MAE SHELTON CORNISH, nee’ WATERS, (76); and she went home to her eternal rest. The twelfth child of the late Gladstone H. Waters, Sr., and Sallie Long Waters, she was born, on November 25, 1945, in the Puncheon Landing area of Somerset County, Maryland near Pocomoke City.
Roda was a high spirited, fun loving, caring, young hearted and family orientated aunt, sister, cousin, classmate, and friend. After the demise of all her siblings, her close and far-ranging extended network of nieces and nephews came foremost in her life. She was easy to get along with, loved animals and had few, if any, enemies. All who had the good fortune of meeting Roda soon came to the realization that she was a decent, kind, and personable person—simply put: a joy to be around.
Roda gave her life to Christ at an early age. From time to time, she was known to attend the now closed Trinity United Methodist Church near Pocomoke, Maryland and the Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Princess Anne, Maryland.
Roda was educated in the public school system of Somerset County. She received her High School Diploma from the Somerset Jr. Sr. High School in 1965. In her later years, Roda became extremely active in the Somerset Jr. Sr. High School Alumni Association and became a treasured and valued member. Accordingly, we thank God for making it possible for Roda to attend her high school’s most recent reunion which was held several weeks ago at the Shad Landing State Park.
Sometime back in the late 70’s, Roda was united in holy matrimony to Otis Shelton of Venton, Maryland. Unfortunately, this marriage ended upon the untimely death of her beloved Otis in a job-related boating accident. Roda eventually found marital bliss once again when she married the late Mr. Wendol Cornish. Regrettably, this marriage ended in divorce prior to Mr. Cornish’s demise.
Throughout her life, Roda was always gainfully employed. She retired from the Wicomico County Board of Education where she worked as a cafeteria worker for many years. In her retirement, Roda worked for the Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Maryland as a part time custodian. She also did part time work for VFW Post # 10048 which was located in Pocomoke City, MD.
In her passing, Roda leaves to mourn as, next of kin, a host of nieces and nephews who are the remaining offspring of her eleven siblings, grand and great nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and acquaintances. Of particular significance, she leaves to mourn her passing, nieces Novella Dunlap of Capitol Heights, MD, Kadovia Waters of Temperanceville, VA and Ursula Johnson of Pocomoke, MD, who were like sisters to her, and nephews Edward Robinson, Jr. of New Jersey, Richard Robinson of Philadelphia, PA and Anthony K. Waters of Pocomoke, MD, for their faithful care, visits, and assistance during her final illness. Further, Roda leaves to mourn her passing, two special friends. Ms. Nancy Linck and Mr. Charles Moore of Salisbury, MD who were with her faithfully, always advocating for Roda’s best interests, throughout her final journey.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mr. Otis Shelton, Roda was preceded in death by her sisters – Hazel Waters, Berniece Waters Jordan, Thelma Waters-Bellamy, Geneva Waters Jackson, and Odessa Waters Robinson; and by her brothers – Gentry H. Waters, Sr., Gladstone H. Waters, Jr., Herbert E. Waters, Douglass V. Waters, Martin C. Waters and Lewis J. Waters.
A funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 409 Oxford Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland with a viewing two hours prior. A public viewing will also be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, September 16, 2022 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, Maryland.
Interment will be at Trinity Cemetery (Unionville) in Pocomoke, Maryland.
5 Responses
My condolences to the family. I remember Rhoda from my childhood /teen years. Praying for you during your time of bereavement.
Rhoda a loving kind person you will remain in all our hearts
I worked with her at Campbell soup in Salisbury she was a very nice lady.
So sorry to hear of Aunt Roda’s passing. I regret that I’m not able to be there with you. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God surround you day by day.
For Novella and Family,
Sending you deepest sympathy, love, and encouragement as you continue to reflect on Rhoda’s life. What a lovely person she was. She was devoted to our Somerset Alumni groups, especially to our Class of 1965. We shared a love of animals and pets, and whenever we chatted, she always asked about my dog “Diana”, elevating her to the significance that I do as well.
I haven’t seen you in more than a few years, Novella; reach out sometime and always know that Rhoda was a special part of us and still treasured in our memories.
Peace and Love, Dr. Wendell P. Holbrook, SHS class of 1965.