Mary Lee (Lankard) Cornett, 90, of St. Joseph, was born in Anderson County, Kansas, to John “Jack” and Josie (Drybread) Lankard, on Aug. 6, 1935. Mary had a varied professional career teaching secondary and adult students in Victorville, California; Springfield, Columbia, Sikeston, Raytown, Independence, and St. Joseph. Mary was also active in the St. Joseph community serving on the boards for Allied Arts Council, Performing Arts Association, St. Joseph Safety Council, Workforce Investment Board, Second Harvest Food Bank and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, where she served as the first woman to be elected as Chairman of the Board in 1997. Worked in various volunteer activities for the Salvation Army, Hillyard Technical Center, St. Joseph Public School Foundation, Y.W.C.A. Mary is survived by her children, Kevin (Sylvia) Cornett, St. Joseph, and Kerry Cornett (Dave Leahy) of Independence, Missouri; as well as her grandchildren, Darrell (Magen) Cornett, Independence, Rachel Cornett, Kansas City, and Shannon Cornett, of St. Joseph; along with great-grandchildren, Killian Cornett, Declan Cornett, Evelyn Guinn, Vivian Guinn, Alexandria Cornett, Harper Cornett and Camilla Cornett; and other extended family and friends.