Catherine Cunningham was born February 4, 1933 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Irma Jo Winfrey and William Anderson, Sr. Catherine attended public schools in Little Rock, graduating from Dunbar’s Junior High and High School.
Catherine was baptized in her home town at Gospel Temple Baptist Church. In 1950, Catherine married Clifton Cunningham, Sr., and they started their family before relocating to San Diego, CA in 1960. They welcomed three more children afterwards.
In 1965, she began working at Sears Roebuck & Company, first as a cafeteria server, then Executive Assistant to the General Manager, and retiring as an HR Specialist for the San Diego Branch after thirty-two years of professional service.
Catherine’s faith remained an essential part of her journey. She became a member of Calvary Baptist Church, then later joined Mt. Erie Baptist Church. She was a faithful member for over thirty years, serving in many capacities, including Recorder for the Baptism Committee.
Catherine had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and enjoyed reading, word searches, and crossword puzzles. Her support and dedication to family were extraordinary. She always encouraged them to strive for a higher level of education and explore the world around them.
Catherine kept up with current events. Her favorite television programs were ABC World News Tonight, CNN’s “AC360”, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, American Gladiator, and Wipe Out.
In addition to Catherine’s warmth and generosity, she had a strong sense of Community and found joy in making others feel loved and supported. Her open-door policy created a welcoming atmosphere to all who visited her home. Catherine’s selflessness surpassed her immediate family. It included extended family and friends, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Catherine was called to rest.
Preceding her in death was her father and mother, husband of 56 years, Clifton Cunningham, Sr., two brothers; William Anderson, Jr. and Sherman Edward Anderson, and two children; Jeffie Joanna and Joel Edward.
Left to cherish her loving memory are Clifton Cunningham, Jr. (Bertha), Cheryl Katrina Howard of San Diego, Adriel Lynn Cunningham (Gloria) of Los Angeles, Alan LeMoyne Cunningham (Leslie) of London, England, and Keith Avila Cunningham (Monyca) of San Diego, two brothers; Jessie Anderson (Pauline) and Barry Anderson, of Little Rock, AR, two sisters; Bernice Anderson-Crawford of Temecula, CA, and Mildred Brown of Sacramento, CA; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary family members, and friends.
