Corene Burnsworth

Corene (Cory) Burnsworth (87) was born on January 28, 1938, in Breathitt County, Kentucky to the late Matt and Flora (Trent) Shackelford. She passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025 at the Gilbert Residence,Ypsilanti, MI, her home since August, 2020, with family members nearby.

Corene is survived by her two daughters, Janice (William) Auxt and Tracey Melody; three grandchildren Carly, Rachel, and Riley Melody; one sister, Lorene Cotnam, and two brothers, Eugene (Sue) and Matt (Linda). Special nieces, Missy, Melissa, and Laurie, as well as other dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, Lawrence, Roger, Reed, and Russell, sisters-in-law, Blanche and Gwen.

Cory retired from Detroit Edison in 2000, where she walked neighborhoods diligently reading meters and then installing interruptible air units. Her work ethic set a pretty high bar for her younger co-workers, which irritated them. However, Cory’s most beloved title was that of, “Gramma C.” Her grandchildren refer to her as, “the best gramma ever,” “their safe space,” “a bright light,” “You were always smiling when you were with Gramma.” She treated them to numerous Disney and Pixar films, taught them to enjoy shopping (one of her favorite pastimes), attended their sporting events, pre-prom picture taking, and many other special occasions.

Cory enjoyed bowling, playing cards, attending or throwing a good party, laughing, music, and dancing. She was part of a Bunco group for many years,“the girls,” with whom she traveled and annually walked the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. Another annual trip was to Charleston, SC, for the Flowertown Festival and to visit the estimated 500 year old Angel Oak tree. Cory had a heart for nature (she claimed to be the original “tree hugger,” as trees were often her childhood friends), and animals (wild and domestic), children, especially babies, and she was very generous to all, as well as to many organizations.

Per her wishes, there will not be a funeral service, but a celebration of life on a date to be determined.

If you would like to honor her with a memorial contribution, please consider an animal shelter, the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Forgotten Harvest, the Gilbert Residence, or a similar organization of your choice.

Please share a memory of Corene by singing her Guestbook.