Deacon Cornelius “Mr. C� Cunningham Sr.

Cunningham Deacon Cornelius “Mr. C� Cunningham, Sr., age 84, of 565 S. Lime St., Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at his residence. He had been a resident of Lancaster since 1961 having moved here from Virginia. Born in Evergreen, AL., he was the son of the late Elijah and Rosa Lee Hal Cunningham. He was the husband of Addie Seawright Cunningham, with whom he celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Jan. 12, 2011. Deacon Cunningham was a graduate of Conecuh County Training School in Evergreen, AL. He was the owner and operator of Cunningham Grocery Store for 29 years from 1977-2006. He retired as a chef at the former Obie Miller Steak House in Lancaster. Deacon Cunningham was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was the former chairman of the board of Deacons, chairman of the benevolent fund and church treasurer. Deacon Cunningham was a member of the senior choir. Among his hobbies were fishing, reading the Bible and TV programs, especially watching Westerns. Surviving in addition to his wife are four sons: Cornelius Cunningham, Jr., Harrisburg, PA; Anthony Cunningham; Aaron Cunningham, husband of Diane; Elijah Wayne Cunningham, all of Lancaster; five daughters: Pearlene Arnold, wife of Bobbie, of Powder Spring, GA; Nettie Miller-Cross, wife of Joseph, of Franklin, VA; Rosa Harris, wife of Marvin; Brenda, wife of Kenneth King; and Mary Elizabeth Cunningham, all of Lancaster. Also surviving are twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four sisters: Sarah Watts, wife of Floyd, of San Bernadino, CA; Rosa Bell Darden, of Pennsauken, NJ; Viney Finklea and Willie Mae Philyaw, both of Evergreen, AL. A daughter Ellen Davidson, brothers Noah, Robert, and Delmas Cunningham; sisters Dorothy Sheppard; Doris Stallworth; Dianah Sharp; Mary Ellen Hawthorne; Roberta Holt and Lucille Days preceded him in death. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Deacon Cunningham’s Life Celebration Funeral Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 148 Locust St., Lancaster, PA, on Monday at 11:00 AM with Rev. Roland P. Forbes, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Riverview Burial Park. Friends may call at the Funeral Home of Fred F. Groff, Inc., 234 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA, on Sunday from 7-9 PM and on Monday at the church from 9:00 AM until time of service. Memorial contributions may be sent in Deacon Cunningham’s name to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 148 Locust St., Lancaster, PA 17602 c/o Education Ministry or to the Lancaster County Office of the Aging, 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603. To share your fondest memories of “Mr. C� visit www.lifecelebration.com Fred F. Groff, Inc. 234 W. Orange St. Lancaster, PA 397-8255