W. Frances (“Billie”) Cunningham

Sunrise September 26, 1934 - Sunset October 22, 2025
Willie Frances ("Billie") Cunningham, daughter of the late Elsie and Clarence Saunders Sr., was born on September 26, 1934, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. She peacefully departed this life on October 22, 2025, surrounded by love.
Billie received her education in the Asbury Park School System in New Jersey. After years of dedicated service, she retired from the Department of Commerce, State of New Jersey. Upon retirement, she continued to serve her community by working in the office of the late Dr. Leslie Hayling, Sr.
A woman of deep faith, Billie was a long-time member, beginning in 1954, of New Salem Baptist Church. Billie served faithfully in the Missionary Ministry and the Finance Committee as well as an active member of the "Golden Community," and Energetic Citizens helping Others.
In addition to her many acts of service, Billie was a long-time Notary Public who graciously offered her assistance free of charge to anyone in need. Billie lived an understated life of simplicity. For Billie, family mattered deeply. Her home was a place of care and compassion; her husband, mother, a brother, and a sister all lived out their remaining days in hospice care under her loving attention. She gave selflessly of herself and gave to those in need, particularly children. Billie supported numerous organizations including the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Feed the Children, St. Jude, Community Support Service, Special Olympics of Trenton, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Fox Chase Cancer Center, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, and Doctors Without Borders.
Billie was a lifelong learner with a curious and active mind. She was an avid daily crossword puzzler. In later years, she even began piano lessons and proudly purchased her own piano — a testament to her belief that it's never too late to learn something new.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Augustus Cunningham; her parents, Elsie and Clarence L. Saunders Sr.; her brothers Billy Berkley, Wilbert Keith, Clarence L. Jr., and Posie Guy; and her sisters Alice N. Curry, Aza H. Williams, and Nancy L. Syphax. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: sons Mark J. and Kevin R. Cunningham of Trenton, NJ, and daughter Truda F. Augson of MD. She is also survived by her loving siblings: Lois James, Barbara Marshall of Trenton, NJ; Paulette Saunders (Wilbert) of MD; Rosemarie Dentson of Fort Pierce, FL; and brother Charles N. Saunders of Stuart, FL. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren — Adrena, Maria, Shena, Sharia, Paris, Bernard, and Deion — as well as her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear friend of over 50 years, Julie Wilson. Billie will be remembered for her kindness, faith, and generosity of spirit. Her love, quiet strength, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to go to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, TASK.
"The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just where the hands will stop,
At late or early hour."
— Robert H. Smith

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