LaVerne Williams Cunningham

LaVerne Cunningham, age 88, died on April 19, 2025 in Greensboro, NC after suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease for the last several years. LaVerne was born on February 28, 1937 in Govan, South Carolina. She was a long time resident of New Bern, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Scott Cunningham, Jr. LaVerne was the mother of Cindy Lancaster (Lee), Scott Cunningham (Gina), and David Cunningham (Cristi). She had the joy of being a part of the lives of seven grandchildren as they grew up: Chris Cunningham, Katie Statler, Kevin Cunningham, Joe Lancaster, Ben Lancaster, Savannah Cunningham, and Colton Cunningham. Her six great-grandchildren were an added joy in the last years of her life.

LaVerne will be remembered by family and friends as a faithful follower of Jesus, who prayed diligently for each member of her family and for many others, and taught and led Sunday school and Bible studies for many years. Her kids and grandkids could always know that their needs and concerns were regularly being brought before the throne of God. She was always on the go, always doing something for others. She made numerous trips to SC to visit and care for family members there and to visit and care for grandchildren. When she suddenly became a widow at age 63, she chose to believe that God would be a husband to her and moved on fearlessly in her varied ways of serving in the church and community and being a friend to many. She especially loved and enjoyed spending time with Savannah and Colton.

The family is especially grateful to the friends who were so faithful and helpful to her in the early stages of Alzheimer’s while she was still living in New Bern, and to the staff of Heritage Greens, who provided patient and compassionate care for her in the last years of her life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Temple Church, 1500 Kingdom Way, New Bern, NC 28560. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the church. She will be laid to rest following the service at Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery, 900 River Rd., New Bern, NC 28560.

Donations in her memory can be appropriately directed to NC Baptist Men, to the Heritage Greens Staff Appreciation Fund (not tax deductible), or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of LaVerne Cunningham.