Samuel G. Cornell

AugAugust 4^th, 1935 • MarMarch 15^th, 2026

Anchorage Alaska

Samuel G. Cornell

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Obituary

Samuel G Cornell, 90 years old, of Anchorage Alaska, passed way on March 15, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family and friends in Anchorage. Samuel was born on August 4, 1935 in Los Angeles California to Thomas & Flora Cornell.

Sam graduated from Montebello High School in Los Angeles, and worked as a Human Rights Investigator at the Municipality of Anchorage for 22 years and retired in 1999. Sam spent the majority of his life serving as an elder in the Jehovah’s Witnesses Congregation, helping many to gain a friendship with the Almighty God.

Sam is survived by his wife of 68 years Josephine, his sons Robert (wife Loretta), Thomas (wife LaCinda), Timothy, and Stephen (wife Michele). 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Tiana, his siblings Gloria, Ruth and Robert, and his parents Thomas & Flora.

A memorial service will be held on May 17, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2301 Strawberry Road, Anchorage Alaska.

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May 17, 2026

Sam was such a precious treasure of a man. He gave me such compassionate and realistic advice based on the scriptures, and then sprinkled in some humor. I loved the way he called Josie “The Lady”, and how he jokingly referred to babies crying during talks as “hecklers”, and he had the most well groomed mustache in existence. Sam and Josie and Katie were the means Jehovah used to answer several prayers of ours through the years. Can’t wait to see him Just Around The Corner.

May 17, 2026

Sam is alive in many of us today. He helped shape me and countless others into the spiritual men we are today. The commendation and counsel he gave was always heartfelt and more beneficial than I knew at the time. I look forward to thanking him more fully when we see each other again.

Matt Pennington

May 17, 2026

Sam is going to be missed very much! Seeing him and Josie by his side at every meeting, convention, assemblies. Always smiling and greeting you. Over the years since we moved here they were always supportive of me and my family. His faith in Jehovah was strong, his love for his wife and family and friends! His encouragement was always uplifting. He was a fine example as an Elder yet humble and serving faithfully to the end. Til we meet again which is not far off, tears will be of joy and happiness!

Mary Beebe

May 14, 2026

Sam Cornell… there’s not enough room to say what I wish… (but here’s a look from my perspective.)

Sam and Josie have been my “mentors” for many decades now. (Even from afar). I say “Sam and Josie” because they are one. The way they are as a couple, made me want to try to imitate them in my life. They hold a special place in my heart.

Sam is an amazing elder, but an incredible human being and faithful servant of Jehovah. His love for righteousness stood out.
His soft humility is what
really helped me to know what serving Jehovah zealously and with joy really meant… and to have a good sense of humor to stay balanced.
Their examples have been etched into my life.

We miss Sam so much, but we look forward to many more memories together, in the coming millennium!

We love you so much
Sha & John Dickey
🥰🥰🥰

Sha Dickey

May 10, 2026

I am very grateful to Sam for his love, training, support, and encouragement over many years. He was a “Grandpa” to myself and so many others, if not by blood, then by the loving care, attention, and kind council given. Rest well Sam. We know you’re eager to get back to work/life side by side with your sons & grandsons, daughter & granddaughters, when the call comes through.

Kelly O'Brien

May 7, 2026

I have known Sam for over 40 years he was a very kind and compassionate soul. I gained insight and spiritual encouragement serving in the congregation with him. Looking forward to be there in the resurrection with all are dear family and friends.😊

Chris Fedele

May 6, 2026

I've only gotten to know Sam in these twilight years. He reminds me of Daniel. Although I had heard of his reputation. That he served Jehovah in a powerful way for decades. With righteousness, integrity and endurance. I always knew him to be gentle, humble and meek. A man who can embody all these qualities is truly a very desirable man.

Joel Jacoby

May 6, 2026

I have always had such pride in being Sam Cornell's grandson. As a kid, you always look up to and want to be like your Grandpa. I have never grown out of that phase. He set the best example of what it means to be a faithful spiritual man. He was a great teacher, caring shepherd, and loving family man. His sense of humor and quick wit was something that I really appreciated! I really enjoyed and will always remember how cool it was that my grandpa was the instructor for my first pioneer school. Getting to serve on the same elder body as my grandpa is a privilege that I am so thankful for! I have a lot of cherished memories with him, but what I will miss most is those random mornings of service together. Spending time with him doing what he loved most, serving Jehovah. I long for the day to get to introduce my soon to be daughter to the amazing man that is Sam Cornell

Trevor Cornell

April 23, 2026

Wow where to even begin to express how much I love my Pompa, he called me his sweetie! I had the wonderful privilege of attending two pioneer schools where he was my instructor, I felt even closer to him, as he shared all his wonderful experiences and stories with the class. I got to go to an international convention with him in Peru and I have never felt more proud as I watched my Grandpa give the Watchtower summary at that convention for thousands and I had the best two weeks in Peru, boy was he fun! Having him as a Grandpa has allowed for so many spiritual blessings in our Family. I love our spiritual heritage. I will cherish the time I got to be with him and that I got to help take care of him at the end. See you soon Pompa!

Chloe Campbell (his Sweetie)

April 23, 2026

I am so grateful for all the spiritual memories I got to have with Pampa. The weekly meaningful family worships, the CO visits I got to go on, and the two international conventions, I would never have had those if it wasn’t for Pampa’s faithful record of service. All of those shaped me in more ways I could ever realize.

Kate Lucas

April 23, 2026

Our my dad support i was learn from him turning my skills teaci beacuse appoint me become minister servants thanks for my dad good example many people for deaf growth succcess thanks JH support us beloved by my dad very humble experience knowledge training as the children’s next generations.

Tim Cornell

April 22, 2026

Sam was a spiritual giant in my eyes. He was a mentor and helped Teresa and my family through many family struggles and challenges over the years I cherished the many family functions we shared together Looking forward to the resurrection to see Sam and poppy Bill and all others who have passed ❤️always Roy Teresa and family

Roy West

April 21, 2026

When I was 12 years old, Sam gave a public talk, with each passing scripture and illustration, that elder was becoming my favorite speaker. I thought, how great it would be if he could give my wedding talk someday. Seven years later that elder did perform my wedding ceremony, on the same day he became my father-in-law. Sam and Josie have certainly helped our marriage to be successful, and a help in raising our children to love Jehovah. This past year moving in to help them, has also helped us, hearing Sam’s unbelievable heartfelt prayers at dinner, and listening to many family stories has been a priceless treasure.

LaCinda Cornell