Sylvia Pledge Cunningham

Sylvia Pledge Cunningham, 81, of Newbern, Tennessee died on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at her residence.
Born Wednesday, October 25, 1944, in Newbern, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Burton Cherry Pledge and Georgia Pope Pledge.

Sylvia retired after many years of service as Cafeteria Manager at Trimble Elementary School. In that role, her kindness, sweet smile, and caring nature left a lasting impression on countless children. She formed many meaningful friendships during her years at the school, where she was loved and respected by students and coworkers alike.

Family was the center of Sylvia's life. She dearly loved her family and found her greatest joy in caring for them. An excellent cook, she was especially known for her spaghetti, brownies, and her much-loved chocolate gravy. One of her most treasured traditions was preparing Christmas breakfast each year-a labor of love that created lasting memories and brought her family together in a special way.

Sylvia enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved being outdoors, often found sitting peacefully in her swing, enjoying the beauty and quiet around her.

A woman of strong faith, Sylvia was a devoted member of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, where she faithfully worshiped and lived out her Christian values through love, service, and compassion.

Funeral services for Mrs. Cunningham will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at The Lighthouse First Assembly of God Church located at 900 Williams Street in Newbern, Tennessee. Officiating the service will be Pastor Keith Wysong. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation for Mrs. Cunningham will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Robert Chad Cunningham (Jill) of Newbern, Tennessee; two daughters, Gina Berry (Eddie) of Huntington, Indiana and Deb Woods (Jonathan Hime)) of Kenton, Tennessee; four brothers, Danny Edward Pledge (Sondra Chuba) of Newbern, Tennessee, Mark Ethridge Pledge (Janice) of Newbern, Tennessee, Henry Lincoln Pledge (Alice) of Newbern, Tennessee and Jackie Lee Pledge (Cindy) of Newbern, Tennessee and one sister, Mary Beth Bolte (Gene) of Dyersburg, Tennessee and she was "MeMaw" to her six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, C.L. Cunningham and two brothers, Albert Cherry Pledge and Dennis Steve Pledge.

Honoring Mrs. Cunningham as pallbearers will be Kasey Tackett, Jay Woods, Abby Craig, Sara Woods, Tristan Cunningham, Erica Brooke Hendren, Eddie Berry, and Jonathan Hime.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sylvia Pledge Cunningham.