The Visitation Room at the Madison County Criminal Justice Center now honors a true community servant with a heart to spread the Word of God. Cornelia Tiller, aka “Ms. Happy,” at the tender age of 94, has been serving in the prison ministry at the jail for some 30 years.

She’s not sure exactly how long, but who’s counting?

On Tuesday, Tiller thought she was coming to her usual meeting with her female inmates, but at an earlier time. Much to her surprise, she entered the newly built Visitation Room to a standing-room-only crowd. Dozens of elected officials, friends, and representatives of non-profit organizations had gathered  to thank her, just for being her.   

One by one, admirers lined up to tell a story of or share their love for Tiller, who was overwhelmed with joy at the kind words. Judge Don Allen, former Madison County mayor Jimmy Harris, former Jackson mayor Jerry Gist, and others praised Tiller for her involvement and dedication in the early days of the city’s Drug Court.

Representatives from non-profit organizations like The Dream Center, Scarlet Rope, The Care Center, Men of Hope, and others waited in line for their turn to express gratitude for the transformation they have witnessed in so many of their clients.

Dream Center Director Gail Gustafson said she feels the power of Tiller’s presence at the jail often. “Any girl who comes to the Dream Center from this place is ready and prepared to change, and is on fire for Jesus because of you,” Gustafson said.

Tiller, who does not drive, thanked her friend Carolyn Ethridge, who brings her to the jail each Tuesday night to meet with the inmates she lovingly refers to as “my jail girls.”

She reminisced with her ministry partner Nancy Hall about their work which goes back to the time female inmates were at the Penal Farm.

“Believe me, we have met people who’ve committed all types of crimes,” Hall said. “We didn’t really know what we were doing or what we were getting into but God has taken us on a journey we never expected. We may have changed them but they definitely changed us.”

Harris read a quote from Tiller when she was awarded Woman of the Year 2019 by the Jackson Rotary Club: “I’ll keep going to the jail. Those are all my little girls…they need love. And God has put so much love in my heart for them. I want to do everything I can for them and anyone else I can help.”

Tiller’s response, “They are such a blessing.”

“Ms. Happy’s” own daughter is also the recipient of her mother’s unconditional love. “

“She has prayed me through so many situations, always with a scripture to fit, and always with the message to trust in the Lord,” said daughter Susie Tiller Alexander. “She’s Mom, and she’s my best friend.”

There is a saying that happiness begins with a heart full of gratitude.  Alexander said that fits her mother to a tee because she is grateful for every moment given to her.

And a parting note from “Ms. Happy”: “Y’all are so good to me. Thank you. Just wait to be old and be thankful. You’re gonna have a marvelous time. It’s more fun than anything I’ve ever done.”

(PHOTO: Cornelia Tiller and family.  Art illustration by Mary Spellings.| Julie Cooke)