MARSHALL, MI
Cordelia Maude Southerland, 92, of Marshall, passed away surrounded by family on May 19, 2023.
Cordelia was born on July 15, 1930, to Ivory and Florence (Brooks) Sandefur in Vernon, Indiana. She completed the common school course of study prescribed by the Laws of the State of Indiana and was admitted to Vernon High School. She graduated from Vernon High School on April 24, 1948.
On February 6 in the year of our lord, 1949, she was wed to Paul Southerland from North Vernon Indiana at the Vernon Baptist Church in accordance with the Ordinance of God and by the laws of the state of Indiana. They spent 51 wonderful years together until his death on August 17, 2000. She never remarried.
Cordelia was a teacher’s assistant for several years and a domestic housewife. When Paul Southerland retired as the superintendent of Athens, they moved to Dade City, Florida. While in Michigan, they lived in various places such as Breckenridge, Rose City, Hale, Athens, Battle Creek, and Marshall.
Cordelia was a member of the Athens Congregational Church and Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida. Cordelia was an avid teacup collector and an amateur golfer with her husband.
Cordelia is survived by her sons, Michael Southerland and Patrick Southerland of FL; grandchildren, Michelle Carle of Marshall, Melissa Southerland of Battle Creek, and Ryan Southerland of Hickory Corners; great grand children, Chase and Reese Carle, Jordan Southerland, Natalie and Easton Southerland; siblings, Rosanna Oldham of Columbus, Indiana, Kenneth Sandefur of Vernon, Indiana, and Forrest Sandefur of Greensburg, Indiana.
Cordelia was preceded in death by her sisters Hazel Flack and infant sister Margaret Alice; brothers Jess, Lon and Ivory John Sandefur.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 3pm at the Vernon Baptist Church, 155 Washington St Vernon, Indiana 47282 with Pastor Don Morris officiating. Burial will follow at the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice in honor of Cordelia.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.//kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
