Edna Arlene Cunningham

Mrs. Edna Arlene Cunningham, 84, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on June 25, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John and Edna Strolle Phetteplace.

Edna is remembered as a strong, loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a woman with a strong faith in God, which she demonstrated with humility. As an Army Commander’s wife, she was known for her organized, friendly, and elegant demeanor. Organizing military gatherings, bringing all ranks and enlistments together at their home. She proved many people wrong who doubted her abilities and skills; she rose to the occasion and became a very influential part of her husband’s career while also raising her children. She was very friendly and loved meeting new people, often even using $2 bills to open conversations with people or to give to children so they could buy their own treats. She was fond of gardening, but settled for having many house plants because of frequent moving.

She is preceded in death by her parents and half-sister, Chris Phetteplace.

Edna is survived by her loving husband of 64 beautiful years, Richard Cunningham; son Richard (Penny) Cunningham of Mt. Gilead, NC; daughter Tracey (Matthias Edner) Laine Cunningham of Durham, NC; brother, Tim White currently in Hawaii; and her 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Nichole, Dakota, MacKayla, and Sarah Fry of Sanford, NC.

A wake will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cunningham home: 135 Courtland Circle, Jackson Springs, NC 27281.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your local church’s children’s ministry or any children’s charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at pinesfunerals.com.

Powell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cunningham family.