Maudie Madden Cornett
March 24, 1951 – April 7, 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of Maudie Madden Cornett announce her passing following a 9-month illness with a more recent diagnosis of cancer. Maudie fought a courageous battle with chemo and immunotherapy treatments. She marked her 75th birthday at the University of Kentucky Medical Center with James, Gary, Heather and “the girls”—Adilyn and Aurora. On April 3, 2026, Maudie’s wish was fulfilled. She was released from the hospital and made it back home to Pebworth, just in time for her faithful husband and caregiver, James’ birthday on April 4. Maudie entered her eternal rest on Tuesday evening, April 7 at her home in Pebworth, Kentucky surrounded by family and friends.
Maudie was born on March 24, 1951, at Hazel Green Academy in Hazel Green, Kentucky to Weldon Madden and Grace Dunn Lane. The only daughter of Weldon and Grace, Maudie, enjoyed having a Big Brother, George. And Maudie was especially proud when she became “Big Sister” to baby brother, Edgar.
Maudie is survived by her beloved husband of 52.5 years, James Cornett. James met Maudie at Lee College. After two years of dating and Maudie’s graduation from Cumberland College, James and Maudie were married on September 1, 1973. September 1st held special meaning for them, as James’ parents, Vincie and Ida Cornett were married on September 1, 1928. As Vincie and Ida celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 1978, James and Maudie celebrated their 5th Anniversary. And on November 7, 1980, James and Maudie were elated with the arrival of their first and only child. Maudie became the cherished mother of James Gary Cornett II. And Maudie was always eager to tell you that she and James finally gained a daughter when Heather joined the Cornett family on October 11, 2014. Maudie was the proud mamaw of two special granddaughters, Adilyn Scarlett Cornett and Aurora Caroline Cornett. Her profound love, pure joy and pride were visible to all when she talked about Gary, Heather, and the girls—Adilyn and Aurora.
Four sisters-in-law survive Maudie: Ruth Laclair and husband Jerry of Lexington, KY; Ruby Kennedy of Lexington, KY, Sandra Cornett of Campton, KY. and Lois Madden of Stanton, KY.
Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, as well as a notable group of young men, who were Gary’s friends and chosen sons of James and Maudie. Preceding Maudie in death are her parents, Weldon Madden, and Grace Dunn Lane, as well as two brothers, Edgar Madden and George Madden.
Maudie graduated from Wolfe County High School in 1969. She attended Lees Junior College and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Cumberland College.
She furthered her studies at Morehead State University with a Masters Degree in Childhood Literacy. And she received her Rank 1 in Special Education from Eastern Kentucky University. Maudie dedicated 30+ years to the Owsley County Schools as a teacher at Owsley County High School. Following retirement, Maudie returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher from time to time; however, her most prestigious job became that of “mamaw.” She set up her own daycare/preschool at Pebworth, for Adilyn Scarlett in January 2016 and in October 2018, they embraced a new student, Aurora Caroline. The girls were the central focus of her life until Kindergarten came around. Then it became after-school visits, school updates, and rides with Papaw on the side-by-side. Maudie was a devoted member of the Warrens Chapel Church in Vincent, Kentucky. Her strong Christian faith provided her with strength and comfort throughout her life.
Visitation for Maudie; Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Booneville Funeral Home. Maudie’s funeral service; Sunday, April 12, 2026, with Reverend Jamie Brunk and Reverend Terry Sandlin officiating. Burial in the Shepherds Memorial Cemetery in Booneville, Kentucky.
Pallbearers: Gary Evans, Byron Marshall, Joe Hall, Chad Mason, Anthony Bowling, Shawn Gabbard Honorary Pallbearers: John Jelley, Bill Blake, Jerry LaClair, Charles Booth, Brian Marcum, Teddy Paul Marcum, Gary McIntosh, Joe Lucas, Jack Amis, Jeff Dickerson, Marvin McIntosh, Howard Price, and Gary Oliver.
Maudie’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her, from her students to her teacher and education colleagues and from her extended family and Church family to the Neighborhood Boys’ Club from yesteryear. Her legacy is one of selflessness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she cared about the most—James, her amazing husband –Gary-her cherished son, Heather-her chosen daughter—along with the sparkles in her eyes: Granddaughters: Adilyn Scarlett and Aurora Caroline.
May the memory of Maudie Madden Cornett live on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.
Booneville Funeral Home in Charge of Arrangements
