Elizabeth Cunningham

Elizabeth Hampton Cunningham began her journey on this earth on July 28, 1934, in West Bend Kentucky, the daughter of Goria and Mary Elizabeth Kidd Hampton. She was educated and graduated from Oliver High School in Winchester, Kentucky. After graduating from High School, Elizabeth attended Central Vocational School, in Cincinnati, Ohio where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She continued her education at The Christ Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. After graduation, Elizabeth was proud to become the first African American Registered Nurse employed by The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. She worked as a hospital floor nurse, showing deep compassion and empathy for all ill individuals. She was loved by all of her patients and staff members. 

 She completed her duties at The Christ Hospital after 20 years of service. She was later employed as an Occupational Nurse with the Cincinnati Milacron Machinery Company until she retired at age 68. After retirement, Elizabeth continued to be of service to mankind by teaching nursing at Chatfield College, Cincinnati, Ohio for several years and working at the CCAT House. She had an extended career in nursing spanning over 50 years. 

 Elizabeth Cunningham loved The Lord! Her Christian journey began as a youth at Pine Grove Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in West Bend Kentucky. She spent countless days and nights at Bible Study, vacation bible school, and prayer groups. After moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, she became a long time member at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and Gaines United Methodist Church until her death. 

Elizabeth married John Marcus Cunningham, and together they raised four beautiful children: Goria, Janet, John Marcus Jr, and Neil. As life progressed, she was blessed to have 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

 Elizabeth was an avid Bridge player. She was a member of the Bella Donnas Bridge Club, a member of AB Queen City Bridge Club, and the President of the National Holiday Bridge Club. Elizabeth was also an avid reader, lover of history, and a world traveler. 

She was an active member of several community organizations and groups including: the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) Cincinnati Chapter, Top Ladies of Distinction Nashville Capitol City Chapter, and NAACP. Elizabeth opened her home and fed many travelers during the Civil Rights Movement. These individuals cherished her hospitality and kind spirit, and developed loving nicknames including: Liz, Lizzy, and Momma Liz. There was always room for one more and enough food for another plate. Outside of activism, Elizabeth volunteered her time by serving as a Woodward High School Drill Team Mom, Lumford Street Community Leader, Boys Scout Leader, School Nurse, elementary school tutor, and chaperone of several school field trips. 

 Elizabeth had a saying that she often quoted in the later years of her life. She'd say "Growing old is not easy". And while life was never easy for the Cunninghams, she fought everything that was thrown at her like a true champion and thrived until the age of 90 years old. She proved she was a true fighter. 

 Elizabeth Hampton Cunningham reunited with Christ on Friday November 15, 2024, at 3:25am in Nashville, TN. She transitioned peacefully from this earth to her eternal reward. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, eleven brothers, and four sisters. Leaving to cherish her memory are: three sisters Adeline Anderson of Lexington Kentucky, Golden Pollard of Louisville, Kentucky, Jewell Owsley of Lexington, Kentucky and a niece/daughter Joann Hampton. One sister-in-law Cecil Duerson, Lexington Kentucky; her loving children, Goria Cunningham (Dottie), Janet Cunningham Murphy (Jackie), John Marcus Cunningham, and Reverend Neil Cunningham (Deonta). Grandchildren: Bianca Patricia Cunningham, Heather Cunningham Redix, Goria Cunningham Jr., Alex Bullard, Dr. Candace Murphy Reddick (Dr. Darian Reddick), Jackie Murphy Jr.(Trieste), Latrenda Watkins, Brianna Zaria Kijani, Symone Cunningham Thompson (Napoleon), Dr. Tieye'ra Cunningham, Marcylis Cunningham, Janaye Watley, Kisiah Cole, Nehemiah Cunningham, Kiah Cunningham, Neriah Cunningham, Cheryl Dillard Hamilton (Dean), Michael Dillard, Zachary Dillard, Angela Embry Hutchinson (George), Keith Embry(Coeressa), and Brian Embry. Great grandchildren, Bianca Cheyenne Cunningham, George Redix Jr., Gianna Redix, Gian Redix, Georgia Mae Redix, Darian Reddick II, Ashton Reddick, Harper Reddick, Marley Murphy, Nori Murphy, Kingston Kijani, Olivia Thompson, Tyler Thompson, and Napoleon(PJ) Thompson. 

She also leaves to cherish two devoted daughter/nieces, Jeanette Dillard (Dr. Chuck Dillard), Janis Embry (Charles), Winchester, Kentucky, devoted friend Ms. Jeri Rhodes, Goddaughter Kim McCullom, dedicated caregiver Mary Murphy (Nashville, TN), a host of friends, family, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

 You are the wind beneath my wings!

Love your children, grandchildren, and your great grandchildren