Evelyn Jean Cunningham

Evelyn Jean (Tate) Cunningham of Charlotte met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, the 23rd of April. Denver Cunningham, her husband of 71 years, passed four weeks prior. Surviving are her daughter, Cathy, and her son, Daniel. Cathy and her husband, Cliff Pernell, live in Conover, NC. Daniel and his wife, Pamela, live in Lexington, SC.

Evelyn has four grandchildren: Cathy’s sons Andy (wife Kristen) and Alan Pernell; Dan’s daughter Melissa Sereque (husband David) and son Matt Cunningham (wife Blakely). Mrs. Cunningham has seven great children: Andy’s daughter, Kinsley Grace; Matt’s four sons, Rilan, Paxton, Carsten, and Breason; and Melissa’s two daughters, Eden and Eva Sereque.

Born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, in 1925, Evelyn was the daughter of Shaler and Maude Tate. She was the youngest of seven, with sisters Frankie, Belva, Etta, Myrtle, and Alphie, and one brother, Bee. Evelyn graduated from Mullens (WV) High School and then became a licensed cosmetologist. During WWII, she worked an aircraft plant in Akron, Ohio. In 1946, Evelyn married her sweetheart, Denver Cunningham. The family lived in West Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina.

Evelyn was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She loved her children and enjoyed raising them. When her grandbabies were born, Evelyn (Mamaw) was there to help. She made festive occasions of birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Holiday meals at her home were special events. Evelyn and Denver took great pride in the homes they built.

Family vacations to Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach were highlights of each summer. Evelyn enjoyed playing bridge. Evelyn had two favorite dogs, Zsa Zsa and Susie. Her husband, her kids, their spouses, the grandkids, and her dogs were the loves of her life.

A brief service will be held at the McEwen Funeral Home at 5716 Monroe Road in Charlotte at 11:30 on Saturday, April 29. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Providence United Methodist Church at 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28211, for the Christian Home Sunday School Class.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Services, Charlotte, NC.