Jose Cornelio Chavez

On February 11, 2024, Jose Cornelio Chavez went home to the waiting arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jose was born in Bisbee, Arizona on June 17, 1973, to Frank A. and Hope C Chavez. When he was five years old the family moved to Nogales, Arizona where he attended Nogales Public Schools until his graduation in 1991. 

In Pierson Middle School he played tennis. In High School he was the manager for the girls' softball team, was in FBLA and was also in HERO.

On his 16th birthday he went to work at Arby's and Walmart, while carrying a full load at school. Upon graduation he was hired as a full-time Walmart employee. At 21 years old he married Maria del Pilar Ibarra. Also, at 21 years old he became the youngest assistant manager for the Safford Walmart Store. 

Throughout his life he held other manager and assistant manager positions with AlphaGraphics, Big Lots, as a prep Chef at Senae Thai and recently as head of housekeeping at Quality Inn. He was a work-a-holic.

Jose was a people person who loved meeting new friends, dancing, cooking, baking and many other hobbies. One of his favorite things was making cakes for Birthday's, Quinceanera's, Weddings and store openings. Cakes were his gift for whatever occasion.

Jose is survived by his ex-wife Maria, his children Keisha Danika (Guillermo Jimenez), Seth Cole and Aaliyah Chavez, a granddaughter Aubrey Nevaeh, a sister Monica Chavez, a brother Israel Chavez, his father Frank A Chavez and his mother Hope C Chavez. Also, several nieces, nephews and Godchildren. He is preceded in death by a son Cornelio Andres and his grandparents, aunts and uncles. 

His Celebration of Life will be held on March 2 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Benson, Arizona with the Rosary at 10:00am, followed by a Eulogy and Holy Mass at 11:00am. Interment will be at Cochise Gardens of Rest Cemetery and a potluck meal will be held at the church hall following the burial. 

We will miss his smiling face, his pranks and jokes and mostly his generous heart.

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