Anita Doris Cunningham

Anita Doris Cunningham was born on September 18, 1921, to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson McKinney in Attalla, Alabama.

In 1925, her family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee when Anita Doris was an infant. She was the firstborn of their eight children.

Later, she moved to Bessemer, Alabama where she worked in the local school system and was employed as a nurse's aide at South Highland Nursing Home in Hoover, Alabama until her retirement. In 1990, she moved to Midfield, Alabama.

She was proud of the achievements of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They found success in many fields including the practices of medicine, politics, nursing, law enforcement, and attorney at law.

Mrs. Cunningham joined Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama where she served on the usher board and nurse's guile. Later, she joined Christian Walk Christian Church in Lipscomb, Alabama where she served on the usher board and children's church.

She spent her quiet time reading the bible and praying. Also, she enjoyed time with family. Her passion was making flower arrangements, sewing and working in her flower garden.

She attributed her longevity to good genes, healthy eating, and her faith in God, keeping busy, and living by her motto, "Never Give Up."

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Cunningham; son, Stanley Rucker; sisters, Cornelia Jolly and Yvonne McConnell; brothers, Gus Franklin McKinney and Andrew Jackson McKinney, Jr., and granddaughter, Cassandra Tanner.

She leaves to cherish her memories one brother, Morris McKinney; two sisters, Louise Sturdivant and Jeanette Joyner; six daughters, Adelaide Marable, Doris (Larry) Durrett, Brenda (Elijah) Browder, Cynthia Hawkins, Janice (Joe) Anderson and Altonette (Kenneth) Bryant; sons, Anthony Hawkins, Gregory Jones and Michael (Glenda) Jones. Mrs. Cunningham was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.