Mary Belle was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Mother’s Day May 9, 1937, to her proud parents, John Q. and Ruth Ann Miller. With her older brothers, J.Q. and Bill, Mary Belle enjoyed her formative years with many close friends and family. Mary attended Bartlett High School, excelling as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1955, and followed on to earn her bachelor’s degree in history from Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College) in 1959.
Weeks out of college, Mary Belle married the love of her life, John Erle Cunningham, and they began an enviable devotion to one another that lasted all their lives. Their marriage included their children Cindy and Marc, and then their families, providing a life rich with joy and family fun. Mary possessed an undeterrable spirit and doted on her children and grandkids, while administering Mom and Grammie justice when needed.
Mary became a teacher in Shelby County Schools, spending many years as a history instructor enjoying the antics and shaping the creative minds of high school students. Throughout her years, Mary Belle practiced an unceasing engagement with her extended family on all sides and friends, evidenced by her dedication to cards and notes sent to everyone imaginable on their birthday and other occasions.
Along with her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband John; and her brothers, John Q. Miller, Jr. and William R. Miller; and many other close friends and family.
Mary Belle is survived by her children, Cindy Vinoski (Steve) and Marc Cunningham (Julie); grandchildren, Ryan Vinoski (Caiti), Erin Thomas (Brad), Kim Jenkins (Trey), Robin Cunningham (Jemario Houston), Andrew Vinoski, and Jake Vinoski; and her great-grandchildren, Kendrick Thomas and Ava Vinoski.
Mary Belle had many things in life she was passionate about, as she was interested and idealistic. Two of many things that sustained Mary in differing ways were Ellendale United Methodist Church and PBS.org, and memorials honoring her are deeply appreciated.
Visitation with family and friends will be from 1:00pm to 2:30pm on Thursday, February 29 at Ellendale United Methodist Church, 7217 Centralia Rd, Memphis, TN 38135. A celebration of life funeral service will follow at 2:30pm, then a short interment service will be conducted at the Memorial Gardens cemetery at 3700 N. Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133.
