Julia V. Cunningham

Mrs. Julia V. Cunningham entered eternally in rest with her Savior Jesus the Christ, on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Memorial Regional Medical Center, Hanover, Va.

Formerly of 1212 Arlington St., Petersburg, Va., for over 30 years, Mrs. Cunningham presently resided in Henrico, Va., under her loving and devoted daughter's care. Mrs. (Mother) Julia V. Cunningham was born and raised in Petersburg, Va. One of nine children, she is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Washington.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Evangelist Linda Vaughn of Petersburg, Va., and Deborah Vaughn of Henrico, Va.; two sons, Gregory J. Vaughn (Killzell) of Charlotte, N.C., and James O. Vaughn Jr. (Angela) of Maryland; a devoted sister, Helen Winston (Herbert) of Petersburg, Va.; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted church family.

While raising a family, Mother Cunningham decided to pursue a career in nursing. After successfully passing courses and the State Board of Nursing Exam in 1971, she received her LPN license. Mother Cunningham remained in nursing until her retirement from the Southside Virginia Training Center (SVTC). During her employment at Southside, she received the honor of being named "Nurse of the Year" for three consecutive years, until that award process was discontinued.

Mother Cunningham taught her children many things in life but one thing she consistently taught and demonstrated was to put God first in whatever you do and what ever their endeavor, do it to the best of your ability.

The seed of love for Jesus was planted early in her life and continued to grow as her faith was nourished through church participation. She sang in the church junior and senior choirs for a total of 30-plus years, served as secretary, and served on various other church organizations committees.

Mother Cunningham is the widow of the late Rev. Dr. James Cunningham. She made the decision to join The Lord's Baptist Church in the mid-1990s under the pastorship of the Rev. Dr. Donald R. Johnson Sr. and the Rev. Dr. Howard L. Moses Sr. Through her membership at The Lord's Baptist Church, she has been spiritually filled with the truth of the word which is being delivered by pastors who teach spiritual truth. Mother Cunningham also serves on several committees at The Lord's Church. Besides being called the "Mother of the Church," she was chair of the church beautification committee, served as deaconess, member of the Women's Choir and Mass Choir, co-chair of Women's Working Leaders group, Sunday School teacher for the Adult Class, led several Wednesday prayer and Bible study teachings, and she attended the Frederick R. Ray Institute, a Biblical school.

One of her favorite gospel hymns, "Falling in Love with Jesus," truly represents her personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the words strengthen her soul. Psalm 100, verse 1-2: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing." Mother Cunningham will sing in the Lord's presence forever.

Funeral services will be conducted noon Monday at the Chapel of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc.; the Rev. Dr. Howard Moses Sr., pastor of The Lord's Baptist Church, Ettrick, Va., officiating. Interment to follow in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral establishment. The family will also receive friends at the residence and may be contacted by calling 863-4888.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Cunningham online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.