Kerri Jean Cunningham

Kerri Jean Cunningham, a vibrant soul who brought joy and inspiration to all who knew her, passed away on December 4, 2025 at her home in Wilmington, NC. Born on July 12, 1966, in Mineola, NY, Kerri lived a life full of love and adventure.

A graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree, Kerri later pursued her Teaching Certificate from UNCW, affirming a calling to education that grew from devotion to her children. As a single mother to Dylan and Kira, she sought a profession that offered both the flexibility and stability to provide and remain actively involved in their lives.

Kerri’s teaching journey took her to several communities and touched countless lives along the way. She began her career in the Wilmington area before moving to Elkridge, MD, where she taught at Elkridge Middle School. She later moved and continued her work in New York at Valley Stream Middle School. Eventually, Kerri and her children moved to Wilmington, where she taught at Charles P. Murray Middle School and later spent nearly a decade sharing her wisdom and enthusiasm with students at Island Montessori. Her dedication to education and her students was unparalleled; she had a unique ability to inspire confidence, foster curiosity, and cultivate a genuine love of learning in everyone she taught.

Beyond the classroom, Kerri embraced life with an adventurous spirit, especially alongside her beloved husband, Doug. They met in Wilmington in 2015 and married a few years after, embarking on a shared journey filled with incredible experiences. Whether mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, or surfing the ocean waves she adored, Kerri lived life to the fullest, cherishing every moment of excitement and joy. Her love for the ocean and helping others led Kerri to be involved with Ocean Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing beach accessibility along our coast and improving the quality of life for its participants through the healing power of surfing.

Kerri’s legacy is carried forward by her loving family: her beloved husband Doug Wallace; their cherished children Dylan and Kira Cunningham, and Cameron, Phillip, and Andrew Wallace; her parents Gerard and Caryl Cunningham; her siblings Brian, Kevin, Kathi, Kristan, and Courtney Cunningham; and her sister-in-law Erin Wallace. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends, along with the many students, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives are forever enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, Kerri's family kindly asks for memorial donations to be made in her honor to the Rio Grande Food Project, ensuring that her giving nature and compassionate spirit continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Please leave memories and condolences for Kerri's family in the Guestbook below.

Care entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation - 2209 Delaney Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 910.769.1615