Martha Jean Monnet Cunningham Laughlin died at home on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. Jean was born March 14, 1928 to Claude and Jeannette Monnet in Oklahoma City, where she remained a lifelong resident. She attended Classen High School, spent two years at Smith College in New Hampshire and returned to the University of Oklahoma where she was a vibrant member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1950 with a B.A. in English Literature. Her first job was as Dean of Women at Casady School. Jean married Dr. William A. Cunningham on May 1, 1954 and they enjoyed a long and blessed marriage until his passing in 1991. Jean would say one of her greatest accomplishments was putting him through medical school as an interior decorator. Once Bill began his medical practice, she devoted her life to raising her four children and serving in their church and the community. Jean modeled the spirit of volunteerism, generously giving of her time and resources. Over the years, she volunteered with St. Anthony’s Hospital, Junior League of Oklahoma City, Salvation Army and the Juvenile Court System. Jean especially made a tremendous impact in the lives of young mothers through bible studies which she led at Our Lord’s Community Church. She quietly delighted in giving and supporting the ministries of her local church, Young Life and several global mission organizations. Other organizations Jean was involved with were Christian Women’s Club, Theta Alumnae, Coterie and the English Speaking Union. Long after Bill’s passing in 1991, Jean married Gywnne Laughlin of Oklahoma City in 2002. They enjoyed dancing, laughter and traveling together until his death in 2009. As a widow, Jean remained active with her “Friends” group and the Merry Widows of Our Lord’s Community Church. Friends and family would describe her as elegant, dignified, hospitable, a lover of nature and most importantly, a faithful prayer warrior.
She is survived by her brother, Dr. Charles Monnet of Oklahoma City and her four children: Claudia Joachims and husband Steve of Rogers, Arkansas; Will Cunningham and wife Cindy of Denver, Colorado; Charlotte Burton and husband Robert of Oklahoma City; and Jeannette Young and husband Mitch of Austin, Texas. In addition, Jean is survived by a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great joy in sharing in the lives of her ten grandchildren: Christy and husband, Bill Hall; Wesley Cunningham and wife Rachel; Austin Burton and wife Kelly Jane; Laura Joachims, Peter Cunningham, Jacob Burton and wife Kayce; Daniel Burton, Katie Young, Kelly Burton and Caroline Young. In her last years, a new generation of great-grandchildren, including Jenna and Natalie Hall and Madelyn Burton (with more on the way), brought her much joy. Jean was also blessed to have a special relationship with Gwynne’s daughter, Linda Hill, and her family.
While impossible to list all of her friends, Jean’s family wants to specifically thank her caregivers: Edna Angeles, Blanca Torres, Leoni San Diego, Ruth Hernandez, Lynn Juneman, Rita Duncan, Heather Guy, Tammy Rainey and Melissa Samuels. Special thanks to Paula Avery of Caregiver Connection and the compassionate Interim Hospice team.
A memorial service will be held at Hahn-Cook Chapel, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Please celebrate Jean’s life with us by contributing to Young Life‘s newest camp property in the Midwest. Your gift will further her passion to share Christ’s love. Donations can be made to Young Life Clearwater Cove in memory of Jean Cunningham Laughlin and mailed to: YL Cimarron Region/ PO Box 33176/ Tulsa, OK 74153-1176.
