Janet Horton Cunningham

1935 - 2025

Janet Horton Cunningham

January 22, 1935 - July 14, 2025

Janet Horton Cunningham, age 90, passed away peacefully after a period of declining health. She was born in McBee, S.C., to Basil and Ruby Horton. Janet was the first grandchild on both sides of her family and never hesitated to remind her younger cousins of this when they came along.

As soon as Janet entered first grade, her love for school and learning took roots and began to grow. When she progressed to higher grades, naturally she developed new and different interests. However, she remained loyal to her classmates and school activities. It was special to Janet that she graduated high school with the majority of the students who started first grade with her.

Janet chose to attend Winthrop College (now University) to continue her education. She studied hard and participated in school activities. She earned a B.S. Degree in Commerce and completed requirements for teacher certification. Shortly before graduation, she met Thomas (Tom) Cunningham, a senior at Clemson College (now University) who became her future partner in life.

Following their marriage, Janet and Tom lived in Germany and France for three years as he completed his USAF R.O.T.C. requirement. While there, the couple enjoyed touring other European countries.

They returned to Charlotte where they lived for 27 years before moving to Greensboro.

Janet was a stay-at-home mom until their three children were in school. Then, she held various positions in public relations, advertising, and higher education. She retired from the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro.

Predecreasing Janet was her beloved husband, Tom. The couple had been married for 66 years.

Surviving Janet are her sister, Joyce (Thomas) Hayworth; son, Scott Cunningham; daughter, Caren (Jay) Ellisor; son, Craig (Lauren) Cunningham; and grandchildren, Claire (Chris) Billman, Jamie (Nathan) Conley, and Jason Ellisor. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Jim (Becky) Cunningham; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 26th, in the Living Room of Friends Home West at 10 a.m. with Rev Nikki Baten from Christ United Methodist Church officiating. Janet was a member of CUMC for 31 years.

The family is grateful for the love and care Janet received from the staff of Friends Homes West Healthcare and the hospice staff of AuthoraCare.

Any memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 410 North Holden Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27410, or to Friends Homes, Inc, Residents Assistance Fund, 6100 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, N.C. 27410.

Forbis & DIck Guilford Chapel is honored to assist the Cunningham family. Online condolence may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.

Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel