Thelma Ruth Cunningham - Eakins

FARMINGTON – Thelma Ruth Eakins of Farmington entered eternal rest on May 9, 2025, at her residence at the age of 96. She was born on September 24, 1928, to the late Nesbit Jewel Cunningham and Effie May (Williams) Cunningham.

Thelma is survived by her children, Alberta “Birdy” Whitworth-Chandler-Claywell and Lawrence “Eugene” Eakins; her grandchildren, John (Tracey) Zolman, Mark Zolman, Bradley (Tarah) Chandler, Jeff Claywell, Laura Claywell-James, Tina (Chad) Schlisher, Elisha (Brandon) Dockter, Christopher Eakins and Amanda Eakins; her daughter-in-law, Evelyn “Squeaky” Eakins; and her sister-in-law, Mickey Cunningham. Also surviving are fifteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandson, Brantley Ryan, who shared a birthday with his grandma, Thelma.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Nesbit and Effie Cunningham; her children, Jewell Whitworth-Zolman, Gary Eakins, Thomas Eakins and Juanita Eakins Page; her siblings, Leola (Winford) Barnes, Howard Cunningham, George Cunningham, Addalinda Cunningham, Anna Cunningham, and Shirley Cunningham; and her son-in-law, Dennis Claywell.

Thelma worked as an assembly line laborer for over 20 years at Day Bright Lighting in St. Louis. In her free time, she enjoyed crafts, playing bingo, watching birds, camping, fishing, and tending to her beloved flowers.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow funeral service at Three Rivers Cemetery. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Shriners Children’s St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.