Madeline Helena Royes

Madeline Helena Cunningham Royes, born on December 14, 1942, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 83. She spent her final days surrounded by the familiar comforts of her hometown.

Madeline attended Ninth Avenue School and was active on the Sixth and ninth Avenue Alumni Committee. She dedicated much of her professional life to GE Lighting, where she retired after 20 years of committed service. Her dedication extended beyond her career, as she was actively involved in her community. Over the years, she had delivered food to the people in need through the Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels Program, worked with the League of Women Voters, has been active in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Carnation Club, Church Women United, the Democratic Women of Henderson County, the Human Relations Council, and Western Carolina Community Action. A woman of faith, Madeline was a devoted member of Union Grove Baptist Church. Her generous spirit touched many lives and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

Madeline was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John Edward and Madeline Chisholm Cunningham; her sister, Loretta Briggs; and her brothers, Charles "Buddy" Cunningham and Alvin Cunningham. She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Charles Royes; her daughter, Tonya Greene; her son, Frank Walker; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her niece, Teresa Briggs, and nephews, Andre Briggs, Antony Briggs, Vincent Edwards (Judy), and Rickey Edwards, who will all cherish her memory.

A celebration of Madeline's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Pastor Billy T. Waters officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:00 PM on Sunday at the funeral home.

Madeline's warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV