Emma Lue Cunningham Rayford

Emma was educated in the LW Sullivan and Atkins High Schools. She attended two years at the Arkansas Polytechnical College in Russellville, AR. In 2009, Emma received a diploma in Psychology from Stratford Career Institute.

Emma professed a hope in Christ at age 11 and joined the Pilgram Rest Baptist Church #2 in Atkins, AR.

In 1969, Emma moved to Kansas City, MO and joined Progressive Baptist Church. She was a faithful member until she met and married and Rev. William (Will) Rayford Jr on August 17, 1985. She later moved her membership to Starlight Baptist Church where Rev. Rayford Jr became the pastor. She served in Sunday School, Mission, and the choir. She became a member of the Midwest District Minister Wives and Widows Fellowship. When Rev. Rayford retired, she moved her membership back to Progressive Baptist Church.

Emma worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for seven years and then served 20 years with the Social Security Administration. She was a member of the National Archives and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 20 and remained active in retirement.

Emma was always a happy, cheerful, loving, positive soul. She encouraged all who crossed her path with the love of GOD. She always had a card, a pair of gloves, socks, pens, a scarf or any special gift for you whenever you would visit her. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, listening to religious music and leading others to Christ.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Walter Jr and Lee Bradley Cunningham; three sisters, Bertha Lee Sanders, Pauline Jackson and Wilzetta Miller.

Emma departed this life on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at her home in Kansas City, MO.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Rev. William (Will) Rayford, Kansas City, MO; sisters: Juanita (Larry) Peyton, Little Rock, AR, Shirley (Jake) Walker, Kansas City, MO, Array (Luther) Gilkey, Russellville, AR, Elaine Brown, Allen, TX; brothers: Rev. Monscenior (Ella) Cunningham, Kansas City, MO, Marcellious (Joyce) Cunningham and Edmond Cunningham of Atkins, AR; Aunt Gracie Hill, Los Angeles, CA, sister-in-law: Larzie (Charles) Berry, Memphis, TN, Daisey (Jessie) Taylor and Deloris (Christopher) King of Kansas City, MO. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Progressive Baptist Church, 2945 Bales, Kansas City, MO. Burial will be in Leavenworth National Cemetery, 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2021.