Belle L. Cunningham

As the clouds in the sky parted and the rays of the sun shined through to welcome her to heaven, she went peacefully home to heaven. We believe her mother welcomed her to heaven with open loving arms, since it was her mother's birthday! Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother belonged to the incredible Dunlap clan of Archie Dunlap Senior and Ruby Simmons Dunlap whose union included 12 beautiful children.

Belle, formerly of Anchorage, Alaska, had a deep love for her brothers and sisters. In order of birth, they include Pearl "Dorothy" Boyd, Barbara Litman, Herman Dunlap, Fannie Dunlap, Archie "Jim" Dunlap Jr., Ruby Payne, Hazel Allen, Rufus "Marion" Dunlap, Douschka Harvey, Gretha "Cookie" Dunlap, and Larry "Big Larry" Dunlap. Belle's order of birth was after Hazel Allen.

Belle loved her children Ricky Cunningham and Sherrie Dueno respectively, not missing a basketball game or theatre production. She was the best mother in the world, supportive, a confidant, and created individualized experiences and memories with her children. Belle also loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed spoiling them and always kept candy in her purse for grandbaby encounters. She embraced the title of “Grandma” with pride and honor.

Belle had lots of love to go around for her nieces and nephews. She fostered positive relationships and ongoing communication with Lecia Litman, Jimmy Litman, Dawn Litman, Rosalyn Dunlap, Brad Dunlap, David Dunlap, Barbara Lozado, Larry Dunlap, Gigi Dunlap, Ronnie Dunlap, Terri Lynn Payne, Towanda Garner, Tori Payne, Travis Payne, Gerald Allen, Kellcha Allen, Rebecca Dunlap, Kelly Dunlap, Scott Dunlap, Jefferey Dunlap, Tammie Dunlap, Tara Matthews, Patricia Harvey, Raymond Harvey, Rodney Harvey, Randolph Harvey, and Kimberly Dunlap. Even more love for the 2nd, 3rd and future generations of nieces and nephews to be successful and walk in the path of righteousness.

A faithful servant of God as a member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska, Belle was committed and dedicated to service at the church by participating in the nurses, pastor, and greeter ministries. Spreading the word of the gospel through testimonials and community activism, she participated in many fellowship events that supported her church and community. Her warm smile, positive demeanor, and laughter was always welcomed among her church family and friends.

Belle has touched more than a 1,000+ future nurses by conducting presentations and workshops that prepared them for the healthcare profession and obtaining required certifications. Belle received numerous honors and awards working in the healthcare field, multiple recognitions as Employee of the Month for exceptional service at Our Lady of Compassion Care Center and Providence Extended Care Center, served as a board member for the Alaska State Board of Nursing, and monitored standards for testing nursing assistants through the Nurses’ Aide Competency Evaluation program. Belle lived the core values of nursing through compassion, justice, excellence and stewardship in every word and action.

Her involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star led to leadership roles as Worthy Matron, Associate Conductress, Conductress and Adah. She was honored as Queen for the West Coast and Alaska Chapters at the Masonic/Eastern Star convention.

Her active membership of the North to Future Business and Professional Women's Club focused on empowering women in the field of business and entrepreneurship. Belle conducted business presentations such as "How to Cope with Stress" featured in the local news media.

Everyone would agree, we will miss Belle L. Cunningham's love, smile, and laughter! She will always be with us as we share stories about her life.

Belle is survived by her lifetime companion Ron Givens; children Ricky Cunningham and Sherrie Dueno; grandchildren Bianca Ward, Arturo Dueno, Enrique Dueno, Michelangelo Dovidio, Shawn Cunningham and Shaka Cunningham; and great grandchildren Angel Ward, Aiden Ward, Evonne Ward, Belle Ward, Elias Ward, Odina Dueno, Zakia Dueno, Tammuz HaMashia, Pharaoh Amun, Nya Cunningham and Nyelle Cunningham.

Belle was predeceased by her loving parents Archie Dunlap Senior and Ruby Simmons Dunlap; grandparents Hilliard Dunlap and Fannie Dunlap; and beloved sisters and brothers Dorothy Boyd, Herman Dunlap, Hazel Allen, Rufus Dunlap, Douschka Harvey, and Larry Dunlap.

Services will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1:00 pm -3:30 pm at Mackey Funerals at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a future donation to a scholarship fund that will be established in Belle Cunningham's name at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, School of Nursing.

“Get Ready, Jesus is Coming.”