Kay Marie Cunningham

Kay Marie Cunningham ascended to her heavenly home on Monday, November 24, 2025. Born in Lubbock, Texas, on August 16, 1942, Kay was the daughter of George Birtilyn and Alice Ross. Birtilyn was killed in action while serving his country in 1945. In 1949, Alice married Floyd Johnson, and he became a loving dad to Kay and older brother, George (Buddy). Kay married the love of her life, Don Cunningham, July 7, 1958, and they were married for 57 years until Don’s death in 2015.

Kay grew up in Lubbock, attending Monterey High School, when it was brand new. Kay graduated from Jessie Lee’s Hair Design Institute in the early 1960’s, owning her own shop for several years before going to work for the federal government. Kay began her career with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and then retired from the IRS, Criminal Investigative Division after more than 30 years of total service. In her retirement, Kay was in charge of the beautiful pillow ministry at Calvary Baptist Church where she was a member of for many years. The pillow ministry provides comforting support to local hospital patients. Through this ministry, Kay was a devoted servant who gave her time and dedication, becoming a blessing to others.

In addition to being a beloved, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Kay was a favorite aunt and a kind and loyal friend. Kay was outgoing and a “Get it Done” kind of gal. She was extraordinarily efficient and organized. Kay’s home was warm and inviting, decorated perfectly for each season of the year, especially fall and Christmas. She loved hosting large family holiday gatherings. In recent years, Kay treasured spending one day each week caring for her great grandson, Nathaniel. Kay loved Jesus and was abundantly blessed with a life well lived.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, George Birtlyn Ross, Floyd and Alice Johnson; husband, Don Cunningham; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Arthur and Virginia Cunningham; brothers-in-law, Ken Kucauskas and Ron Brown; sister-in-law, Ann Ross; and nephew, Kyle Kucauskas Averitte.

Kay is survived by sons Gerald Cunningham (Resa) of Seguin and Chris Cunningham of Lubbock; grandchildren Jordon Cunningham, Kenzie Nixon (Brad), James Cunningham and Cathy Cunningham; great-grandson, Nathaniel; brother, George Ross; sisters, Vicki Averitte (Clint), Phyllis Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on December 2, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 5740 West 19th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79407.

The funeral service will take place on December 3, 2025, at 10:00 am at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel. A committal service will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park,

Pallbearers will include Barry Ross, Brandon Ross, Austin Ross, Scott Witt, Jaxon Witt, and Ross Boisen.