Mrs. Doris Louise Bess Cunningham was born May 26, 1927 in Winston-Salem, NC. She departed this life on Friday, April 30, 2010.
As a young girl, Doris was a part of a musical trio called "Three Little Girls and a Piano", along with long-time friends, Mrs. Laura T. Kennedy and Mrs. Essie Davis-Reid. She shared much of her youth with them and another long-time friend, Mrs. Mae Fulton.
She married Mr. John Cunningham, Sr. and they had three children, John Willie Cunningham, Jr., Stanley Leonard Cunningham, and Tonja Cunningham-Carthern.
In 1949 Doris earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Winston-Salem Teacher's College (no known as Winston-Salem State University). She was a lifelong member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and taught kindergarten classes there. Doris poured her heart into loving and caring for her three children and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney and Emma Bess.
She is survived by her two sons, John, Jr., Stanley (Ann), and her daughter, Tonja (Geno); grandchildren, Veronica, Anthony, April, Jessica, and Zane; great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Talia, Brandon, and Jory; two brothers, James Edward Bess and Casper Lee Bess; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Wednesday at the Church.