Jocelyn Kathleen Cornelius

Jocelyn Kathleen (Perry) Cornelius, age 47, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Jocelyn was born on August 29, 1979, in Peoria, Illinois, to Randy Perry and Wanda Perry, both of Chillicothe, Illinois. Jocelyn was a 1997 graduate of Illinois Valley Central High School, where she participated in softball, the dance team, choir, Madrigals, and theater. Jocelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master's degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University, and her nursing degree from Illinois Central College. Jocelyn practiced nursing for the past several years at OSF Medical Center, the Illinois Cancer Center, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and area nursing homes; she also traveled throughout Illinois ensuring children with profound medical needs received the services they needed and deserved.

On October 1, 2023, Jocelyn married Brett Cornelius, and they made their home on their 10-acre farm in Farmington, Illinois, with her beloved dogs, Lexi, Molly, Truby, Cyrus, Green Bean, and Whitey; her many cats, “The Vakitties”; a goat; and, at various times, many chickens and ducks.

Aside from her passion for taking care of others, Jocelyn had a deep love for her family, friends, travel, music, and animals. Jocelyn valued experiencing what life had to offer and developing relationships above all material things. In honor of Jocelyn, give your pets extra love and attention; make a phone call to a loved one. Laugh together, and tell them how much they mean to you.

Jocelyn is survived by her husband, Brett, and stepson, Jaxson Cornelius, of East Peoria, Illinois; her parents; and her sisters, Tonya (Andy) Boyle of Chillicothe, Illinois, Nikki (Chad) Wenzelspratt of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Rachel Perry of New York City, New York. Jocelyn is also survived by her niece and nephews: Abby, AJ, Adam, Aidan, and Harbor, as well as her mother-in-law, Lisa Cornelius of East Peoria, Illinois, and sisters-in-law, Morgan Cornelius of Denver, Colorado, and Maggie Cornelius of East Peoria, Illinois. Jocelyn was preceded in death by her grandparents, Norma Kee, William Perry, and Richard and Delores Kruback; her father-in-law, Robert Cornelius; and her beloved dogs, Koda, Maverick, and Remington, as well as multiple cats, her “Vakitties.”

A Celebration of Jocelyn’s Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Shore Acres Clubhouse in Chillicothe, Illinois, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to share memories and good food.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.