Claire Anita Cunningham

Claire “Anita” Cunningham at the age of 83, folded up her earthly tent (2nd Corinthians 5:1) and exchanged it for her glorious and eternal body as she step into His presence on Sunday, August 1st, 2021. Anita was born on Oct 21st, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to Lawrence and Lyda White who proceeded her in death.

She married her teen sweetheart that she met when she was 13 years of age at the Assemblies of God camp grounds at the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoyed 67 years of inseparable marriage to Robert (Bob) Lee Cunningham who survived her in death. They lived in the Kansas City area for most of their lives until they retired and moved to Lake of the Ozarks for more than 20 years where she also worked and served as bookkeeper for the camp grounds and camp chapel. Even of greater importance to her than her love for her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was her love and lifelong devotion to God and her tireless and loyal service to His Kingdom and His body. She served her family, friends and within the church faithfully and loyally and will enjoy the fruit of her labor for all eternity. Anita attended church at Evangel Temple, Grandview Assembly of God and the Camp Chapel all of her life until she was no longer able to leave the home.

Anita loved music and she loved to worship. She and Bob sang as a duet at church, at camp and on a live radio broadcast on KCCV radio in Kansas City for many years. They teamed up with Artelyn (her sister) and sang as a trio for more than 65 years in church as well as all over the state of Missouri (and beyond at times). As a young girl, she loved to play basketball (even lettered) and had an amazing underhand shot. She was also quite the sharp shooter and earned the nickname of Annie Oakley. Anita loved playing countless hours of Mahjong and computer solitaire.

She loved to decorate (especially for the Holidays) and anyone who had the privilege of eating one of her famous Taco dinners will never forget it. She made an incredible lemon and applesauce cake and her homemade, hand stirred milkshakes were legendary. There was no mistaking when she was happy because she would be whistling the most angelic tune and could make an impressive “bob white bird” call. She had the gift of service and hospitality and her home was open to anyone. She enjoyed making the church calendar and she loved giving a personalized calendar to each of her friends and family at Christmas time.

She had 2 brothers, Dale and Bill White and a sister Artelyn Perkins who proceeded her in death. Her other brother, Kenneth White still lives in Minnesota. She had her hands full with the challenges of raising 3 sons, David, Stephen and Mark (especially Dave) and one highly and obviously favorite daughter Michelle and she never missed a beat. She had 3 beloved daughter in laws, Connie, Karen and Linda and one Son-in law John Privett. Anita had 7 grandchildren, Kara Russo, Jamie Cunningham (Mother: Dolly Markins), Heather Stennett, Jonathan Cunningham, Greg Privett and Weston and Austin Cunningham. She also had 5 great grandchildren, Braxton and Adelaide Stennett, Landon Cunningham, Leo and Ella Cunningham.

There will be a celebration of life service being held at Life House Church located at 5081 Main Street, Springhill TN. On Thursday Aug. 5th. Visitation will be at 5:00-6:00 PM immediately followed by the service. A live stream will be available for those who are interested at the below link.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/fFPFq0cV5P4__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!c_j1tpTK1KGX1lOz4--4RDPyATZftHgiSHAxSFqWtBl4tJxX-66StyKJG-uDTphO_H0GAFhEkqQM$ [youtu[.]be]

There will also be a graveside service at Newcomer’s Floral Hills located at 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. at 11:00 AM, Saturday Aug. 7th. Those that attend, please meet at the flagpole at the entrance and the vehicle procession will begin promptly at 11:00 am.