NORTH ATTLEBORO – Carole Jane Cornelison, 75, of South Washington Street passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

Born January 25, 1946 in Dyersburg, TN, she was a daughter of the late Joe and Lillian Mann raised by her adoptive parents Frank and Nadine Jackson. Carole grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and her family was of the utmost importance with her education being a close second.

Carole earned one of her master’s degrees from Cornell in American History/Urban and Regional Planning and a second master’s degree from George Washington University in American History.  She’s received an Honorary doctorate in Engineering Technology from the Wentworth Institute. 

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create Cornelison & Associates Consulting in Cincinnati, Ohio and in her spare time no matter where she was, she enjoyed educating others on African American History as an adjunct professor in at University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, and Boston University.

Carole was a dedicated public servant. She was the Village Manager of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, Municipal Manager for Woodlawn, Ohio, and the Vice President of Diversity and Social Services, Franciscan Health System. Upon her return to Massachusetts she worked for the Commonwealth as the Deputy Director of Homeowner Services, Neighborhood Housing Development, and functioned as the Superintendent of Bureau of State Office Buildings and finally was appointed the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. In 2011, Carole and her family moved to North Attleboro, and she became the Division Director for Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for the State of Rhode Island.

Carole loved reading and the beach, particularly the beaches in Rhode Island, North Carolina and Puerto Rico.  Carole loved movies on the Hallmark Chanel and cooking. She was most famously known for her yeast rolls and pies.  She loved bringing people together and entertaining her friends. She was a spiritual person who invested her time in the community as well as each of her family members. Her no nonsense approach to life was complimented by her generosity which was boundless.

She is survived by three children: Jeanne S. Pope and husband Darryl of Cincinnati; Sara K. Jackson of Cincinnati and Arjuna H. Cornelison of North Attleboro; a sister Willa Mann of Indianapolis, IN and brother Larry Carther; and 10 grandchildren: Jasmine, Mykele, Nadiya, Sierra, Angela, Micah, Aarron, Daryn, Sydney and Jnylah; and one great grandson: Jeiwayne  and a host of colleagues and friends.

Services will be held on Sunday, September 5 at 11 a.m. at Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro.  The family requests that those in attendance refrain from wearing black clothing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Donate | End Homelessness RI (rihomeless.org)