Betty Jo (Cornell) Wilson

Betty Jo Wilson, 83, of Springfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family,

on September 13, 2025..

Born on June 8, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, Betty was the 10th child of George and Carrie

(Hunt) Cornell. On June 20, 1958, she married Cecil D. Wilson, and together they raised

four children, including a set of twins.

Betty was an avid bowler, proudly winning many trophies and plaques over the years. She

was also a talented baker known for her beautifully decorated cakes, which she made for

countless birthdays, baby showers, graduations, and weddings.

She worked as a cashier at Goldman’s, Pik-N-Pak, and Howard’s. She also served as a

school bus driver for Mechanicsburg Schools for a short time. She later retired from

Springfield South High School, where she dedicated 22 years to working in the cafeteria.

For many years, Betty and Cecil opened their hearts and home to more than 30 foster

children, providing love and care to each one.

Betty is survived by her children: Gary (Romy) Wilson, Cathy Craig and her significant other

Blake Miller, all of Springfield; and Belinda (Dale) Massie of Pensacola, FL. She leaves

behind 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; one sister,

LulaBelle Black; one sister-in-law, Shirley Shaffer; two dear cousins that were raised as

siblings, Marvin Cornell and Shirley Wead (Terry); a very dear foster child, Chad Geidt; and many

beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 63 years, Cecil Wilson; her

daughter, Carrie Jean Young; two grandsons, Jacob Gillespie and Stacey Craig; nine

siblings; and her parents.

Betty’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will be remembered and cherished by all who

knew her.

Services are being held by the Jones-Kenney-Zechman Funeral Home. Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Fletcher Chapel Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.jkzfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jo (Cornell) Wilson, please visit our floral store.