meet cornel robinson-cook, CFSP, CFSGM

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Cornell Wyatt Robinson-Cook was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to college students Cornell Wyatt Robinson and Amy Yvette Neal. From an early age, education played a pivotal role in his life. He attended St. Pius V Catholic School, Carter G. Woodson Elementary, and Darnell-Cookman Middle School (now high school), ultimately graduating with honors from Stanton College Preparatory School in 2001. His formative years were enriched by involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and as a 1st Tenor Section Leader of the esteemed 100 Black Men of Jacksonville-Male Youth Choir, directed by the late William Delando Williams.

Cornell pursued a music education major at Jacksonville University but soon discovered his true calling lay in the death care industry. In 2003, he began his career with Brown-Green-Fralin Funeral Directors, Inc. (now J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services), where he learned the art of compassion and care from mentors Harry Brown, Sidney Green, and James E. Fralin. It was during this time that he received the affectionate title of “Baby Boy” from his funeral service godmother, the late Frances Cheesebrough.

In 2005, driven by faith and ambition, Cornell relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend mortuary school. Despite facing financial challenges and personal obstacles, his determination never wavered. He re-entered Gupton-Jones College in 2010, where he met influential figures such as Dr. Carol T. Williams and Mr. Carl M. Williams. Taking their advice, he proactively sought opportunities at a funeral home, marking the beginning of his fulfilling career in Atlanta's funeral service industry. While balancing his studies and work, he volunteered with the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc., graduating in 2011 as the first in his class to pass the National Board Exam.

Cornell's unwavering dedication to the profession earned him the role of Membership & Education Coordinator at the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc., where he later took on the additional responsibility of Scope Magazine Coordinator. His commitment to helping others flourished during this time.

In 2017, Cornell became a licensed funeral director and Operations Manager for the Historic Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. His contributions were recognized with the Austin A. Layne, Jr. Legacy and CEO Awards. Following a bittersweet transition to St. Louis, he effectively utilized the knowledge and skills acquired from his mentors to excel in his role.

In 2019, Cornell returned to Metropolitan Atlanta to serve communities close to his heart, joining Horis A. Ward Funeral Home-Fairview Chapel in Stockbridge, Georgia. His leadership led to significant improvements, including renovations and the introduction of a KidsZone. In 2024, he was honored as Funeral Home Manager of the Year and awarded Funeral Home of the Year for the Atlanta Territory of Service Corporation International (Dignity Memorial®).

Cornell is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association. His commitment extends to serving on boards such as the Stanton Heritage Foundation and the Otis F. Smith Foundation Youth Board.

A life-long member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville, Florida, Cornell is also a founding member and ordained Deacon at Rehoboth Fellowship of Atlanta, United Church of Christ. He is a proud member of the Trey Clegg Singers, a diverse chorus representing the talent of metro Atlanta.

As a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Cornell has held various leadership roles, including Membership and Education Coordinator for the NFDMA and Chairman of the NFDMA, Inc. 40 & Under Funeral Directors. His certifications as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), Cremation Operator Certification Program (COCP), and Certified Funeral Service General Manager (CFSGM) reflect his commitment to professionalism.

In 2022, Cornell was honored as Mortician of the Year for the Ninth District of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, recognizing his dedication and contributions to the field.

In his leisure time, Cornell cherishes moments with his husband, E. Maurice Robinson-Cook, his mother, Amy Robinson, and brother, Toderick B. Hartzog, while also doting on his godchildren. His life is a testament to compassion, leadership, and unwavering service to others.