Mrs. Cornee McElveen Yountz, age 70, of Forest Brook Drive Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12 at Trellis Supportive Care. Cornee was born on August 24, 1953, in Gaffney, South Carolina. She was the wife of Howard Eddie Yountz, Jr. and the daughter of the late Dr. Robert H. McElveen and the late Peggy Cook Glover. In addition to her husband of 44 years, she is survived by her sisters, Robin McElveen Ragans and her husband Randy of Tallahassee; Florida, and Dale “DG” McElveen Jaeger and her husband Robert of Gainesville, Georgia and nieces; Garland Jaeger Perkins and Katy Ragans Bryan and nephew; Robert Ragans.
She was of the Presbyterian faith. Cornee spent her childhood in Gaffney, graduating from Gaffney Senior High School. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia before transferring and graduating from the University of South Carolina (USC) with a degree in Journalism. She worked in the telecommunications industry as a salesperson, a manager and retired as a VP. All of which were with various startup companies in the US. Cornee and Etchy met in Raleigh NC, later moving to Winston-Salem, NC, Marietta, Ga, Charlotte, NC, Lake Lure, NC, Oak Island NC and returning to Winston- Salem in 2019.
She enjoyed sports and followed her USC Gamecocks as well as the North Carolina State Wolfpack. She loved being a host and will be remembered by many for her skill in creating memorable events. Building on a family tradition of attending the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club’s Block House Steeplechase since the mid-1970s, she and Etchy hosted family and friends of all ages each spring for a day of revelry and fellowship. At the races, the Yountz party was notable for their award-winning tailgates and many prizes in the hat competition.
Most of all Cornee will be remembered for her big heart and the joy she brought to others. She loved the Christmas season and shared her love by gifting numerous handmade Christmas trees and fabricating life-size Disney characters as yard displays for family and friends.
Cornee’s constant smile and quick wit will be missed by many, including her beloved family canine, “Gizmo”.
As a giver, a doer and knowledgeable individual, she made the lives of many more joyful and fulfilling. You could not come and see her without leaving with one of her treasures be it material or experiences.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
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