Cordelia Small

Cordelia Small was born Cordelia Theodora Douglas in Georgetown, Guyana (formerly British Guiana) on November 1st, 1931. She was the daughter of Dr. Theodore Nichols and Gladys Cheesewright Douglas.

Cordelia began her career as a teacher but found her calling in nursing. She started as a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Guyana. She then emigrated to America in response to the increasing demand for nurses.

She arrived in Newark, New Jersey in 1965 and began working at Beth Israel Hospital (now St. Barnabas). She transitioned into pediatrics, working in the nursery and in the Neonatal ICU. She enjoyed a stellar career, receiving the “Nurse of the Year” award in 1984. She retired in 1996.

She enjoyed traveling around the world, visiting many countries in South America, Asia and Europe. She learned that though the cultures were different, they shared similar aspirations and challenges for their families.

Cordelia loved to read, frequently visiting bookstores and libraries for new books and magazines. She also loved to write. She authored and illustrated the book “Dance of the Daisies” based on her childhood experience.

She later moved from New Jersey to a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia with her son, Howard. She was thrilled to be in a new environment and loved interacting with local family members she’d known since her youth in Guyana.

Cordelia battled a series of medical challenges, which intensified in 2024, ultimately leading to her passing on February 26, 2025 at age 93. She showed incredible strength and resilience throughout this period. And she never lost her smile.

Cordelia is survived by her son, Howard Small, daughter, Rowena Holloway, grandchildren Howard Small Jr, Denzel Holloway (his wife Danielle) and Devin Holloway, and great grandchildren, Aria and Kahlil Holloway, along with numerous family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy Small, sister Joycelyn Davis, and grandson Brandon Small.

In lieu of sending flowers and in honor of Cordelia Small, please consider a donation to the “Impact Church” formerly Canaan Land Church, in Snellville GA. See the church and donation links below.

Church site: https://www.impactgwinnett.com/

Donation: https://app.securegive.com/CanaanLand/canaan-land-church

We are celebrating Cordelia Small’s life, so please wear colors versus the traditional black.