Cornelia Gertrude (Gibson) Coverdale

Cornelia Gertrude (Gibson) Coverdale, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on the evening of Friday, October 25, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born in Philadelphia on August 14, 1934, to the late Rev. Elmer P. Gibson and Jeffrie Melnese Gibson and was the sister of Elmer Gibson. Growing up in a U.S. Army Chaplain’s family, her childhood was marked by frequent travel, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse people and perspectives. Throughout her life, she lived in various places across the country, with Chicago, Illinois and Berkeley, California being particularly dear to her heart. Professionally, Cornelia made her mark as a television producer in Chicago, IL. She also dedicated much of her life to nonprofit organizations, particularly Women Organized Against Rape and The American Friends Service Committee. A defining aspect of Cornelia’s life was the relationships she maintained with family and long-time friends. She was married twice; her three sons were from her first marriage to Clive Luke Miller, and her two daughters were from her second marriage to Herbert Linwood Coverdale. She had a special bond with her five children and four grandchildren, appreciating the unique differences between them. She excelled at making each individual feel special, never expecting them to conform to their siblings’ characteristics. She truly valued their distinct personalities. Among her many interests and involvements, Cornelia was passionate about genealogy, spending time with her pets, reading, writing, music, playing the piano, and painting. Tracing her family roots through genealogy brought her immense joy and allowed her to honor their legacy. She also had a deep faith in Christ, joining the Episcopal Church in 1961. Cornelia is survived by her five children: Clive Miller, Eric Miller, Geoffrey Miller, Valerie Coverdale, and Christina Watlington; her son-in-law Malik Muhammad; and her four grandchildren: Meagan, Ngozi, Sadiki, and Nyome, who will continue to carry on her spirit of love and laughter. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 pm until 4 pm on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 4 pm. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cornelia’s memory to Faithful Friends, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.

Cornelia Gertrude (Gibson) Coverdale

August 14, 1934 - October 25, 2024