Mary (Gilliam) Cunningham

Ms. Cunningham was born July 4, 1937, in Elkin, Surry County, North Carolina to parents Charles William (Bill) Gilliam and Edna Melton Gilliam.

She served as Pastor’s secretary at First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, Texas for over 20 years. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family fiercely. She had a big heart, and she and her husband, Cecil, also had many foster children and other family members share their home over the years – all of whom loved her very much.

She was known for speaking her mind, for loving her family, friends and the Lord, and for being instrumental in getting the UIL to accept Nacogdoches High School as a sanctioned soccer team. Mary served her community at her church, at non-profit organizations, and her friends. When she needed help, her dear friends helped her and vice versa – always. The family is forever grateful for her many friends as well as her nurses and doctors at The Arbor and at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Charles William Gilliam, Jr. and her loving husband of 56 years, Cecil Lloyd Cunningham.

She is survived by her sons, David Scott Cunningham and wife Patricia of Houston, Stuart Lee Cunningham and wife Sandra of Houston; grandchildren, Sara and Sam Cunningham; and great-nephews Conner and Cade Gilliam; she is also survived by others who lived in the Cunningham home - her nephew, John Frank Gilliam, Frank L. Foster, Roger Northwood and Westley A. Plemmons; also surviving are other foster children and numerous nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.