Wilma Lee Sheets Cornette

Wilma Lee Sheets Cornette joined a ranching family when she was born October 22, 1930, to Willis Eldred and Nellie Lee Sheets in El Campo, Colorado. She was the first girl and third child in the family that grew to eleven children - six boys and five girls. After Wilma graduated Spearman High School in 1947, the family moved to Canyon, Texas, because her mother wanted her children to have good access to educational opportunities.

Wilma worked as a telegraph operator at the drugstore on the Canyon square. It was there that she met Marvin Cornette, who frequently came in for ice cream. When Wilma became a teller at the bank, Marvin could no longer count on seeing her during his drugstore trips, so they began dating. They were married on May 29, 1952, beginning a marriage and partnership that lasted more than 70 years. Wilma began working in the Huntsville bank when they moved to Huntsville, Texas, so that Marvin could complete his education.

In 1956 Marvin joined Celanese, and Wilma and Marvin moved to White Deer shortly thereafter. Initially, Wilma worked in the White Deer Bank. Then, in the fall of 1964, she began commuting to what was then West Texas State University to complete her education. She often said that she “was sent” to school, referring to the encouragement Marvin provided. Upon completing her B.S. in 1966, Wilma began teaching in the White Deer public schools while earning her M.S. by taking summer classes and an occasional evening class. Initially, Wilma taught mathematics. In the 1970s, she was asked to establish the special education program and spent the rest of her career working in that program.

Wilma and Marvin raised three children in White Deer: Linda Jean, Marvin Clifford, and Connie Lee. Wilma was a dedicated wife and mother. She and Marvin would often go on drives or play golf after dinner. During summer vacations, the family camped and fished along the Conejos River in Colorado. Wilma usually had one or more creative projects underway, such as sewing clothes for her and her daughters and creating ceramic pots and Christmas decorations.

Upon retiring from teaching in early 1989, Wilma and Marvin returned to Canyon. They were active members of the United Methodist Church. Wilma was active in the community, working within the Methodist Women’s group, volunteering at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and serving on the Friends of the Cornette Library board. As avid supporters of West Texas State University, Wilma and Marvin established a scholarship, enjoyed a variety of sporting events, and became members of the Old Main Society. They also traveled to the places they wanted to see. Of course, if any relative was involved in sports - from baseball to soccer - they made an effort to attend some of the games. Wilma’s most cherished memories were of time spent with her children, her grandchildren, and extended family, many of whom still live near Canyon. She was always eager to bring a dish (more likely, dishes) to family holiday potluck gatherings where her pecan pie was always a hit.

On December 8, 2025, Wilma S. Cornette died peacefully at her home, with her brother Jody Sheets, niece Betsy Cornette, and caregiver Tiffany Vaughn by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin; her parents; sisters Grace, Wanda, and Letha; and brothers Wiley, Don, Shirley, and Joe Roy. Survivors include her sister Peggy Woods; brothers Jess and Jody Sheets; daughters Linda J. Young and Connie C. Seiden (husband Greg Seiden); son Clifford Cornette; grandchildren John Young (wife Anny Young and children Alejandra, Kyara, and Kyle), Shamar Young (wife Tina Sanghvi and children Arya and Maya), RaQwin Young (husband Michael Krizan), and Zachariah Seiden (wife Bing Cao and children Xander and Lexia); brother-in-law James L. Cornette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Marvin and Wilma Cornette Presidential Honor Scholarship (mail to P.O. Box 60766, Canyon, Texas 79016) or Fill with Hope (online at www.fillwithhope.org or mail to P.O. Box 526, Canyon, Texas 79015).