Obituaries

Cora Tipton, retired case records analyst

Cora Tipton, a retired case records analyst, passed away Aug. 16, 2025. She worked for the department for nearly two decades until she retired in 2016.

Cora Tipton, retired case records analyst, passed away Aug. 16, 2025.
Cora Tipton

She began her career with the department as an assistant clerk at Ironwood State Prison in February 1997. In April 1998, she promoted to office assistant. Two-and-a-half years later, she took a took a lateral transfer to account clerk II. Then in November 2002, she promoted to officer service supervisor.

She promoted to correctional case records analyst in March 2007 where she remained until retiring from Ironwood State Prison in February 2016.

“Cora had a passion for music and loved to sing gospel songs. She loved having her gospel music up loud and singing along while working at home. Our deepest condolences are extended to Cora’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” according to Ironwood State Prison.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, two grandchildren, and two sisters.

Services have already been held.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

San Quentin mourns passing of Officer Michelle Jones‑Harris

Michelle Jones-Harris, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 21, 2026. Jones-Harris began her career at…

Remembering CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, one year later.

Watch: Agent Byrd memorialized at training center, CMF

Two CDCR memorial ceremonies honored fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, marking one year since his passing. At California Medical Facility…

Ismael Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant

Ismael Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked…

CMF mourns loss of Melissa Boos, management services tech

Melissa Boos, a management service technician at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, passed away July 21, 2026. She worked…

CSP‑Solano mourns loss of Kevin Thomas, health records tech

Kevin Thomas, a health records technician at California State Prison-Solano, passed away June 22, 2026. Thomas began his career as…

San Quentin mourns passing of Jonathan Castillo, office tech

Jonathan Castillo, an office technician at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Feb. 1, 2026. Castillo began his career at…