Kathryn R. Cunningham, 93, died January 16, 2017, in Raleigh. She was born on April 15,
1923, in Raleigh where she resided her entire life. She was the daughter of Henry Alexander and
Kate Bearden Cunningham. After graduating from Raleigh public schools, she attended
University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She was employed as a secretary at Durham Life
Insurance Company for forty-three years. Kathryn was a lifelong and active member of First
Baptist Church. She served her church and the Livingston-Johnson Sunday School Class in
many capacities. As an avid reader, she worked in all capacities in the church library, including
helping others select good books to read. She also found great satisfaction as a tutor for a young
Hispanic friend.
She is survived by a niece, Junelle C. Kobel and husband Butch of Lancaster OH; a nephew
Robert H. Cunningham and wife Sheila of Ricon, GA; and cousin Joseph H. Wheeler of Oviedo,
FL. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dr. Ernest Bearden Cunningham.
Kathryn's many friends will treasure memories of her quiet presence and encouragement,
her kind nature, and her warm and gentle spirit. A graveside service of celebration and
remembrance will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St. at 3:00 PM on
Thursday, January 19.
At her request, in place of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 99 N.
Salisbury St., General Fund or the charity of one's choice.