Cornelia Burke has weathered some of life’s harshest storms but doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her. In fact, she wants to serve as an inspiration to others. 

Ms. Cornelia was born and raised on the east side of Savannah, where she attended the Massie School, Chatham Junior High School, and Myers High School. She says she started cooking when she was just five years old and her first job was heading shrimp for the Thunderbolt Shrimp Factory. Eventually, she worked on a seafood prawn boat.

“That was some hard work, but I was one of the best shrimp peelers they had ever seen,” the 65-year-old recalls, grinning widely. “I could hold five shrimp in one hand and five in the other and clean them quicker than anyone else.”

Her shrimping career morphed into full-time motherhood when she got married and had four children: a daughter, Takishia; a son, James; a daughter, Sharell, and another daughter, Angel, who was killed when she was just 14. Then, in 2019, Ms. Cornelia, a diabetic who says she always took care of herself, survived a one-two punch of back-to-back open-heart surgery and a leg amputation.

“I was living in a horrible movie, and I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be,” she says, the bad memory washing across her face. “When I was in the rehabilitation hospital, I was in despair. But that’s also when I began to understand my reason and purpose.” 

She wheeled up and down the halls of the hospital, often at 2, 3, and 4 o’clock in the morning. Eventually, she learned to walk with a walker, and people would stop to watch her progress.

“The nurse was amazed at what I could do, but I knew I had to do it for myself,” she remembers. And then, with determination, “While I’ve got my strength, I’m going to use it.”

When she was released from rehab, Ms. Cornelia was introduced to and approved for Meals on Wheels for healthy, home-delivered meals for seniors. Senior Citizens, Inc., the official coastal Georgia partner of Meals on Wheels America, provides both meals and wellness checks through the program. She receives hot lunches Monday through Friday, and especially enjoys the baked chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples. However, Ms. Cornelia gets so much more than a meal, as do all of SCI’s Meals on Wheels clients.

“The people bringing me my meals are some sweet, compassionate people. They say, ‘Good morning, Ms. Burke, how are you doing?’ When they smile, they don’t have to say anything else,” she says. “Their attitude and patience are beautiful, and I thank God for all of you serving seniors in Chatham County.”

In September 2022, Ms. Cornelia moved to Rose of Sharon, a 12-story senior property located in Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District, where she continues to receive Meals on Wheels.

“I’m comfortable here and can go sit in the park outside to get some sunshine. I make my bed, do my own laundry, and the other day even cut up some collards for my freezer,” she exclaims.

Ms. Cornelia’s husband passed away in July 2022, but her five sisters, a brother, her son and daughters, and even a great-great grandson check in on her as they can, but she remains fiercely independent.

“I don’t want a handout; I want people to see how amazing I am,” she says. “The Lord stepped in and came to my rescue, and I’m going to do things better and greater than when I had my leg.”

We have no doubt Ms. Cornelia is going to do exactly that.