Lyla Dawn Riley Cornwell

Lyla Dawn Riley Slade Cornwell May 4, 1938 - September 16, 2014 It is with great sorrow that we say our final goodbye to our beloved Mother, family member and devoted friend, Lyla Dawn Riley Cornwell. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side on September 16, 2014. A celebration of her life memorial will be held at a yet to be determined date. She was a longtime resident of Waco. Lyla was a devoted Christian and tirelessly served God, her family and countless friends she made over her lifetime. She loved attending her alma mater, Lytle High School's Homecoming games and festivities in Lytle, Texas. She was valedictorian of her graduating class of 1956. She was a majorette, band member, basketball captain, FFA Sweetheart, Football Sweetheart, Homecoming Queen and FHA president. She was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Beautiful." She attended Southwest Texas State in San Marcos, Texas, and met and married Gordon Slade, Sr., and they lived in San Antonio. She later resided in Carrollton, Texas, before moving to Waco, where Gordon's air traffic control career took them. She loved to cook, travel, swim, read, volunteer and help anyone in need. Her favorite books were the Bible, and science and health, which she studied daily. After being room mother, PTA officer, Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout Den Mother, football, baseball, softball, track, basketball, soccer, piano, dance, violin, guitar, art and symphony "Mom" of her children, she then volunteered for the grandchildren at their respective schools by reading to the lower levels and chaperoning on field trips and fundraising year round for school improvements. She enjoyed her career at Baylor University's School of Education under Dean McNamee. She loved being a Baylor Bear fan. She also enjoyed working for Waco Police Department, being Chief Scott's administrative assistant, and later for the City of Waco's City Manager's office as assistant. She really enjoyed retirement and travelling to many destinations with her husband, Jack, family and friends. She was a member of the First Ladies Club at First National Bank of Central Texas travel group. She especially loved destinations that had a family member or friend on the other end. She loved all modes of travel to all parts of the world, but especially loved the water and beautiful beaches. She touched so many lives with her loving kindness, selflessness, generosity and grace. Her legacy lives on through us all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Phillip and Ruby Johnston Riley; her brothers, Richard Baylor and John Riley; and sister, Ruby Charlene Riley. Also preceding her in death were her first husband, Gordon W. Slade, Sr.; and second husband, Jack Cornwell; and their son, Kenneth Cornwell. Her brothers-in-law, Cecil Moore of Pleasanton and Jim Stafford of Boling, Texas, along with very special nephew, Don Riley of San Marcos; and her longtime friends, Bill Spencer of San Angelo and Joye Griffin and Ann Duncan of Waco. Her survivors are her children, Linda Cornwell Scott John and their children are Kristen and Philip John; daughter-in-law, Karen Cornwell her and son, Casey; daughter, Sue Cornwell Evans Rick and their son, Nathan; son, Gordon W. Slade, Jr., Chip Valerie Smathers, and daughters, Carolyn Joye fianc, Juan Castleblanco and Shelby Erin; son, Phillip Slade; daughter, Kelly Slade-Hardtke and her daughter Emily; daughter, Amy Slade-Wheeler Terry and their daughters, Lauren Slade, Riley Slade, Sarah Wheeler and son, Jackson Webb. Also her honorary daughters, who were bonuses in her home, were Meredith Manske Wideman and Pamela Smith, along with countless other kiddos she was affectionately known to as "Mom". Surviving members of the family include her sisters, Christa Moore and her daughter, Cecilia, Anne Stafford and her daughter, Nancy Melton; her brother, Charley Riley and his children, Randall Riley, Jill Riley Ralph and Kim Riley Whitbeck; brother, Morgan Riley Barbara Hardcastle and their children, Mark Riley and Robin Bahlmer; brother, Bob Riley Dana Echols and their daughters, Shannon and Kristin; special sisters-in-law, Jo Ann Moore, Daisy Riley Children David, Daisy and William R Bill S Riley and Dixie Desen Son Jeffery Desen. She leaves behind dear cousin, Marie Griffin and her children, Rick and Gina; and wonderful friends for life, Rita Whitehead, Cullen Whitney, Phyllis Spanagle, Nelda Renner, Bobbie and Frank Behrens and Barbara Spencer and Sam Cordero. She cherished all of her great and great-great nieces and nephews as well. She loved her family so dearly and lived for having family get togethers, which were productions, given the sheer amount of family members and friends in attendance. Christmas and Thanksgiving were two favorites. She believed every day should be celebrated as Christmas and Thanksgiving in the heart. She was passionate about all types of music and loved singing in church and at these family gatherings. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful friends and neighbors who have been so supportive over the years to Lyla Dawn and for her extraordinarily special caregiver, Susan, for her years of love and service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lytle High School Ex-Students Association, PO Box 1106, Lytle, TX 78052, Baylor University, Salvation Army, The Christian Science Mother Church of Boston, Waco Symphony, Waco Arboretum, Fuzzy Friends Rescue, SCC or any organization of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.