Obituary of Wanda McCullen-Cunningham
Wanda was born May 23, 1953 in Thornton Texas to James (Jim) and Vernell McCullen. Wanda attended Blackshear Washington High School in Groesbeck, Texas, which was one of its last graduating classes; therefore, she received accolades from both Washington High and Groesbeck High. While attending Washington High, she received Honors as an active member of the FHA, Honors in Band I, UIL, Spelling I, and Class Officer I. While attending Groesbeck High, she was voted Most Dependable Female by the Faculty, received Honors in FHA 2 and FHA 3, Officer 2 and 3, and Coronation 4. She graduated from Groesbeck (Washington) High School as a member of the Class of 1972. She then left her hometown of Thornton, Texas and moved to Dallas, Texas where she began a very rewarding career over 20 plus years with Nations Bank (Bank of America) while working herself from lower level into a top professional managerial position due to her high ambition and intelligence. She eventually made a transfer to Washington Mutual (Chase) which placed her at working nearly 30 years in the Banking industry. While enjoying life and family, she met her soulmate, Mr. Walter Cunningham, whom she married on September 26, 2007. They both retired, traveled, and enjoyed their home in Irving, Texas, as well as their home away from home, which they had built in Thornton, Texas. Walter was with her diligently and effortlessly throughout it all, and even until the end, he was right there by her side, holding her hand.
The definition of family is not defined by blood, but by love, loyalty, and everlasting friendship. Wanda Cunningham was the definition of FAMILY. A woman of many titles: She was our Auntie, our Mother, our Sister and most of all, our comforting friend. She gained her wings, halo and mansion that the Father already had prepared for her. She will be missed dearly by everyone—far and wide.
Wanda spearheaded and began the Thornton Downhome Reunion. The traditional reunion is currently being recognized for its ongoing 31st year in progress, and it’s always celebrated each year every Labor Day weekend. She now has passed along the torch to continue the tradition to her brother, her nieces and nephews, and several other extended family members and very close family friends.
Wanda McCullen-Cunningham, 56, of Thornton, Texas, passed Monday, December 9, 2019, at her home in Irving, Texas.
Wanda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Vernell and James (Jim) McCullen; grandparents Augustus and Sarah Ford; paternal grandparents Will and Dinah; brothers -Eugene (Frog) Thomas, John (Jerry) McCullen, Willie James McCullen; and sisters—Hazel (Juanita) Masters, Nell McCullen and Sharon Harris. Her nephews, Reginald McCullen and Terrance Parks, also preceded her in going home to the Lord.
Left to cherish her memories are her beloved brother, Marshall McCullen of Thornton, Texas, and several nieces and nephews whom she helped to nurture and lend everlasting support: Anthony, Willie, Michelle, Robert, Yolanda, Tammy, Tanisha, Dr. Shane Manning, Kendrick, James Jr., Roxanne, Carey and Ermagene. There were also the great-nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved—Cameron, Willie Jr., Serena, Tyrell, Bria, JaCoya, Marquis, Reggie Jr., Josh, Nicholas, Blake, Trinity, Brayden, Antonio; Kaliyah, Kaysen, and Champ. She also leaves behind her children and grandchildren she inherited when she met her soul-mate—Walter Cunningham—and she had a host of adopted nieces, nephews, and cousins from other marriages and families, including the Artis siblings, the Wells siblings, the Whitfield siblings, the Gonner siblings, the Masters siblings, the Shields siblings and many others. Wanda’s “children” were everyone else’s children in the family whom she adopted as her own. There’s not enough room to list the host of other relatives, extended family, and numerous friends.
Thank you, from our hearts to yours, for your prayers, which have given us strength, your expressions, which have encouraged our hearts, your presence, which is giving us comforting arms to lean on. All the love shown will be forever remembered and deeply appreciated. Please continue to pray for us, and we pray God will continue blessing you. -The family
Arrangements and special thanks to Merit Memorial.