Merry Joyce Cunningham, age 79 passed away Monday morning, August 17, 2020 at Henderson Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born in Pontotoc, MS on June 11, 1941 daughter of the late King Chamos and Melverda Cox Jones. She was raised in Jackson, TN but spent most of her adult life in Peoria, IL after her husband Jerry C. Cunningham was discharged from the military. Mr. Cunningham predeceased her in December of 2010.
She was a stay at home mom that concentrated her time on raising her family. She enjoyed watching car races especially Stock Car and Nascar. She was also a huge sports fan, especially the Lady Vols, and both the Chicago Bears and Cubs. She also loved animals and anything dealing with the state of Illinois.
She is survived by a son, Jerry L. Cunningham of Memphis, a grandson Brandon Cunningham; a brother Freddie Jones of Jackson; two sisters Susie Neal of Savannah, and Martha Love of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son Jackie Cunningham, three brothers, Bobby, Tommy and George “Buddy” Jones; five sisters Frances and Peggy Jones, Linda Shelby, Teresa Laird and Lisa Canada.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the Hollywood Cemetery in Jackson.