Sister Cornelia Ann Bridgewater-Mims, affectionately known as “Ms. Ann,” was born on September 28, 1957, to the late Cornelius Jonnie Bridgewater and Sister Roberta Elaine Roan Bridgewater. On July 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, God closed her earthly eyes and welcomed her into eternal rest.

Cornelia confessed Christ at an early age, walking a path of sanctification and deep faith. She became a dedicated member of The Free Church of God True Holiness. As the eldest grandchild of Mother Gussie Mae Roan, the first National Supervisor of Women for The Free Church of God True Holiness, Cornelia faithfully supported the church, “because her Grandma said so!” Her life was a living testament to the Holiness tradition, marked by an unwavering commitment to prayer, the Lord, and the joy of being surrounded by the love of her family.

Known for her conservative yet vibrant personality and elegant grace, Cornelia brought light into every room she entered. She was the matriarch among her siblings, a protective and nurturing eldest sister who took great pride in watching over her family whenever needed. Before graduating from nursing school, she balanced cooking, cleaning, caring for her family, and working part-time. Cornelia graduated with honors from Manual High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and earned her CNA and CMT credentials. She worked long hours to provide for her family and, even after retiring from the medical industry, worked part-time for her grandson.

Cornelia’s greatest pride and joy was the family she built. She was united in holy matrimony to her late devoted husband, Ivory Joe Mims, who completed a full term of service in the United States Army. Together, they nurtured a legacy of love that will ripple through generations. Cornelia also enjoyed many traveling excursions with her family throughout the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hawaii.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughters, Angel Lee Bridgewater, Michelle Nicole Bridgewater, and Katherine Rochelle Mims; grandsons, Tyron Markell Bridgewater, Ivory Joe Bridgewater, and George Earl Douglas III; great-grandson, Tyron Markell Bridgewater Jr.; granddaughters, Mikayla Nicole Bridgewater and DeAnsia Sherrils; great-granddaughters, Tyann Monae Rashad Bridgewater and Pepper Nicole Bridgewater; nieces, Serena Mabin and Lekisha Amevor; nephew, Ofoe Amevor Sr.; great-nieces, Kyleigh Otto and Jaliyah Cubit; great-nephews, Jayden Mabin, DeAndre Haynes Jr., and Ofoe Amevor Jr.; sisters, Sheila Lorain Bridgewater and Virginia Mabin; brother, Minister Troy T. Bridgewater of The Free Church of God True Holiness; and a host of additional family members and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 20, 2026, at Victory Way, 3023 Monroe Ave. KCMO 64128. There will not be a wake. The memorial service will begin promptly at 11:00 am.