Darlene Cunningham

Gloria “Darlene” Cunningham, 85, of Waco peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus on June 18, 2025. Born on April 14, 1940, Darlene was a woman of Baptist faith who lived her life with grace, humility, and compassion. Her most cherished role was that of a loving wife, mom, grandma and sister. Her family was the center of her world and her warmth and generosity extended to all she knew.

Darlene met her soul mate, Velton Cunningham, early in life and they were married for more than 67 years. Where you saw one, you saw the other. They loved going out to eat breakfast, taking trips together and spending time with their precious chihuahua CJ. Just being together was their simple pleasure.

Her family will remember her warm hugs, unconditional love, and the way she made everyone feel. She loved sharing chocolate treats, always having M&Ms and gummy bears for her great-grandchildren, attending the kid’s sporting events, and hosting family gatherings that grew into beloved traditions. Her love for travel led to unforgettable family vacations and treasured girls’ trips. Whether it was the comfort of her fuzzy blankets and silk pajamas or simple evenings watching TV, she made everyday moments feel special. Her kindness, her joy for life, and the legacy she built through love and connection will never be forgotten.

Darlene was a dedicated employee at American Income Life for over 40 years, where her strong work ethic and kind spirit touched many who became lifelong friends. She was always willing to share her knowledge with others and many she worked with even referred to her as their work mom.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Velton; her children, Diana Crosby and husband Mike, Mark Cunningham and wife Jerri, Sarah Donaldson and husband David, and Janeen Cunningham; her grandchildren, Kristi Arredondo and husband Frank, Daniel Crosby and wife Stephanie, Jared Domangue and wife Lacy, Ashleigh Domangue, Kevin Donaldson and wife Angela, Melissa Tucker and husband Corie, Ricky Thomason and wife Jennisty, Staci Dixon, and Miranda Radke and husband Ryan; 21 great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Beheler; her brother, Gary Strickland and wife Beverly; her sisters-in-law, Barbara Strickland and Janie Strickland; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Odis and Loraine Strickland; her mother and father-in-law Russell and Mozelle Cunningham; and her brothers, Dan Strickland and Wayne Strickland.

A funeral service will be held at Connally-Compton Funeral Home Monday June 23, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The address is 4400 Waco Drive in Waco Tx. Burial will immediately follow at Crawford Cemetery.

For those choosing to honor Darlene by helping others, the family invites you to make a donation in her memory to Shepherd’s Heart, shepherdsheartpantry.org, or to a non-profit of your choice.