Betty Joyce (Mitchell) Cunningham

July 3, 1932-April 18, 2019

A native of Fairfield Highlands, Alabama and a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, Betty Joyce Mitchell Cunningham passed away on April 18, 2019 surrounded by members of her beloved family. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Jack Russell Cunningham, Sr. on January 5, 2015. He told her on the night they met that he was going to marry her and they enjoyed 64 years together. They both joined Spring Hill Baptist Church when they moved to Mobile in 1961 and their strong faith was a great comfort throughout their lives. Betty was a long-time member of “The Sewing Bee” at Spring Hill Baptist and enjoyed many years of fun and friendship with these wonderful ladies. Betty was an intelligent and creative woman who devoted herself to raising her family and spending time with her four children: Joy Cunningham Murphy (Dr. Pat Murphy), Susan Cunningham, Dr. Russ Cunningham (Ellen Hyman Cunningham) and Karen Cunningham Champion (Donald Champion); her nine grandchildren: Jessica Murphy Payne (Jeremy), Elizabeth Murphy Saunders (Kyle), Angela Hicks (Casey Dougall), Dr. Patrick Murphy, Jr. (Alan Friedrich Murphy), Dr. Jack Cunningham, III (Caroline), Brian Hicks (Taylor), Callie Cunningham (Billy Nobel), James Champion and Alex Champion (deceased) (Denise); and her nine great-grandchildren: Luke Payne, Collin Saunders, Lucy Payne, Caleb Champion, Frances Cunningham, Dahlia Hicks, Sloan Murphy, Jack Cunningham IV and Bethy Murphy. Betty was a great beauty who also was quite the ‘handyman” – she tackled and could fix almost anything around the house. She had a quick mind and was always interested in politics and current events. Betty was an avid reader and never lost her interest in learning. She instilled this love of reading and learning in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was much loved and will be missed.

Visitation at Spring Hill Baptist Church Chapel on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 10 am until 11 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 am.