Martha Ann Smith Cunningham

Martha Ann Smith Cunningham, 87, of Roanoke, Va., passed away late on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., after a brief illness. Martha (known to many as "Marty") was surrounded by her four children as she left us to be with the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Chesley, who preceded her in death in 2007. Born on April 6, 1923, in Bramwell, W.Va., Martha was the daughter of Frank and Lottie Smith. She married her best friend, Chesley Craft Cunningham, on February 10, 1944, while "Ches" was home on leave from European duty in the United States Army. After living in several towns in West Virginia and Virginia, the family moved to Roanoke in 1968. Martha and family were longtime members of Northview United Methodist Church in North Roanoke. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women, and a lady of unquestionable faith in her Lord and Savior. Martha worked as a private duty nurse for 15 years in addition to helping in the family business, the Western Auto Associate Store in Cloverdale, Va. After retirement, Martha loved being at home, giving her own brand of tender loving care to her loving and devoted husband and her beloved family.
Martha absolutely lived life to its fullest, up to the very end. She adored her extended family and cherished being with them, and had many hobbies and pastimes. A talented quilter, Martha and daughter, Nancy, created dozens of beautifully crafted quilts for family and friends, in addition to the many trips and events the two attended. She was an avid sports fan, and with her son, Scott, was able to attend many sporting events in Atlanta and other venues, making many new and lasting friends in the world of professional sports. Martha thoroughly enjoyed son, David's extended family, and his work allowed him to spend several nights each week with his Mother, much to her delight. She was also son, Steven's main supporter and head cheerleader, inspiring him to grow and prosper in both his professional and personal lives. Martha enriched her children's lives in every way possible, from teaching each how to love unconditionally to sharing her deep religious faith and incredible tenacity. Martha also touched the lives of her many friends in many places, and every friend of the family was a friend of hers. She left this earth on her own terms, just as she had planned.
Mrs. Cunningham was preceded in death by her parents; and husband; brothers, James E. Smith and Richard F. Smith; sisters, Edith S. Richardson, Esther S. Peters, and Dorothy S. NcNiel; and infant, Anna Mae.
Surviving are her sister, Charlotte S. Tabor, of Fenton, Mich.; daughter, Nancy Keatts and husband, Marvin, of Martinsville, Va.; sons, David Cunningham and wife, Darlene, of Pearisburg, Va., Steven Cunningham, of Raleigh, N.C., and Scott Cunningham and friend, Paula Smith, of Atlanta, Ga.; also, three grandchildren, Craig Cunningham and wife, Sheri, of Pembroke, Va., Kyle Cunningham and wife, Stephanie, of Advance, N.C., and Brandon Cunningham. of Raleigh, N.C. Surviving great-grandchildren are Katie and Austin Cunningham, of Pembroke, Va., and Allie and Reed Cunningham, of Advance, N.C. Others include a host of very special in-laws, nieces and nephews, and close family friends too numerous to mention.
The family will receive relatives and guests at a "Celebration of Life" and viewing on Thursday, May 6, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Simpson's Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Northview United Methodist Church, 521 Ridgecrest Drive at Plantation Road in Roanoke with Pastor Bart Weakly officiating. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Bramwell United Methodist Church, 3285 New Hope Road, Princeton, W.Va. 24740. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.