Ms. Bertha Cunningham

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Ms. Bertha Cunningham. She departed this earthly life on August 14, 2023 and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Bertha May, was the oldest of nine (9) children, born to the late Bertha Frank Boatwright and Ivory Boatwright. She was born New Years Eve, December 31, 1939 in Manning, S.C.

Bertha loved people and she always spoke her mind. She was lovable, giving, but straight-forward. She loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Bertha received her formal education in the public school system of Clarendon County. After graduating high school, she was led to go to Newark, New Jersey, where she worked at several jobs and then attended cosmetology school. After graduating, she was employed as a Licensed Hair Stylist at a state-run facility in Mt. Vernon, NJ. She worked there until her retirement. She was a master stylist and was sought out by clients, friends, and family, even turning her kitchen into a salon on the weekends.

Bertha met and later married the love of her life, Oliver Cunningham Jr. and they were married during a big snow storm on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1965.  They happily raised their only son, Kenneth L. Cunningham as Christian and to become a man that loved the Lord.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Oliver Cunningham Jr., her mother and father, her sister, Evelyn King, and two (2) brothers, James I. Boatwright and Lawrence Boatwright.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memories, her only son, Kenneth L. (Tresti) Cunningham of Waldorf, MD; three (3) sisters, Hattie (Woodrow) Williams of Lawrenceville, GA; Viola Banks of Plainfield, NJ; and Vivian (Archie) Worthy of Newark, NJ; and one (1) brother, Leondria (Leah) Boatwright. Her two (2) granddaughters, Niccole A. Cunningham and Regis (Billy) Cornett; and her grandson, Kalon I. Cunningham. Her great-grandson, Dakotah Boykin, and great-granddaughter, Naomi Hamlin Cunningham; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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