Mamie Lee Cunningham

Mamie Lee Cunningham, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, humbly bowed her head at the age of 95.  She received her angel wings on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at MUSC in Lancaster, SC. Born on April 18, 1929 in Lancaster, SC to the late Judge Cornelius and the late Mary Robinson Cornelius, Mamie was known for her unwavering dedication and kind heart. Her life was a testament to the virtues of hard work and compassion.

Her deep faith was the cornerstone of her existence; she was an active member of David Stand AME Zion Church, where she found solace and community.  She was a Missionary, Class Leader, Deaconess, Steward Board Past President, Women’s Auxiliary and Flower Guild to name a few.   

She was united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel Cunningham who preceded her in death.  To this union eleven children were born.

For many years, she served as a domestic worker and would babysit all the kids in the family and community, touching the lives of countless children with her gentle care and boundless warmth. She retired from Springs Industries after many years of dedicated employment.

Mamie Lee found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her love for reading the Bible was matched only by her enthusiasm for vacations, cookouts, and baking. Her kitchen was a place of joy and creativity, where her baked goods became the highlight of many gatherings.

Mamie Lee Cunningham’s light and love will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by two sons, Lloyd Cunningham (Laura) of Blythewood, SC, Darrell Cunnigham (Peggy) of Lancaster, SC, eight daughters, Betty Burnette of Harrisburg, PA, Claire Alston (Mel) of Buffalo, NY, Ida Cunningham (Willie) of Lancaster, SC, Lorraine Patterson of Charlotte, NC, Maci Cunningham of Charlotte, NC, Marilyn Cunningham (Gerard) of Lancaster, SC, Debbie Henley (Bob) of Johnston, SC, Charyell Wade of Lancaster, SC, a sister, Janie McArthur of Harrisburg, PA, a uncle, Wardell Robinson of Buffalo, NY, daughter-in-law, Marcella Cunningham of Lancaster, SC, thirty onegrandchildren, sixty four great grandchildren, sixty one great great grandchildren, one great great great  and a host of other relatives and friends.  Her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by a son, Wayne “The Brain” Cunningham, three brothers, Willie Cornelius, James Cornelius, Ernest Coleman, sister-in-law, Mary Jo Cornelius, four grandsons, Rodney T. Cunningham, Rankaisi Kirkland ,Christopher Alston, Curtis Cornelius and a host of deceased sisters-in- law .

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