Obituary for Brenda Venetta Cunningham
Brenda Cunningham was born November 7, 1951 in Wilcoe, West Virginia to the late Clemon and Cornelia Cunningham. She was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Cunningham Hale. On Saturday, March 25, 2023, Brenda entered eternal rest and everlasting life.
She became a graduate of Gary High School in 1969, where she ranked in the top 5% of her class. Brenda continued her education at University of Maryland in College Park, becoming the first black Homecoming Queen after segregation was abolished in the state in 1965.
For 30 plus years, Brenda was employed by Wilkes Law Firm as the Manager of Information Systems. Additionally, she worked for the Interior Department and concluded her career at Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP.
As an avid writer, Brenda constantly wrote letters to family and friends on a variety of subjects. She often sent notes of encouragement and mantras reinforcing one’s positive self-esteem. Her opening sentence of practically every letter was “Just as surely as the sun rises and sets every day.”
Brenda was very active in her community. Notably, she was the campaign manager for Cynthia Reid when she was elected Ward 5 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Her commitment to her neighborhood, especially to youth, was truly outstanding and admired by many.
A true servant leader, Brenda played a dynamic role with the youth at Greater Refuge Temple D.C. She held reading classes and assisted with sponsoring trips along with Lady Fields. Although Brenda’s health declined, her positivity never wavered. She designed shirts with her coined phrase “I AM SPECIAL BECAUSE I AM ME” for the youth and adults in her journey to instill positive self-esteem. She also designed a special card with one powerful word, “BELIEVE,” as a reminder to keep the faith.
Brenda fought the good fight and finished her race gracefully. “Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21
Everlasting memories of a life well lived will remain in the hearts of her brothers, Charles, Houston, Clyde and Maurice (Joyce), her devoted sister-cousins Fannie Bush (Ivan) and Georgia Goodwine-Christian, close friends, Darlene Barnes and Reyna Cloyd Hurdle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends
She became a graduate of Gary High School in 1969, where she ranked in the top 5% of her class. Brenda continued her education at University of Maryland in College Park, becoming the first black Homecoming Queen after segregation was abolished in the state in 1965.
For 30 plus years, Brenda was employed by Wilkes Law Firm as the Manager of Information Systems. Additionally, she worked for the Interior Department and concluded her career at Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP.
As an avid writer, Brenda constantly wrote letters to family and friends on a variety of subjects. She often sent notes of encouragement and mantras reinforcing one’s positive self-esteem. Her opening sentence of practically every letter was “Just as surely as the sun rises and sets every day.”
Brenda was very active in her community. Notably, she was the campaign manager for Cynthia Reid when she was elected Ward 5 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Her commitment to her neighborhood, especially to youth, was truly outstanding and admired by many.
A true servant leader, Brenda played a dynamic role with the youth at Greater Refuge Temple D.C. She held reading classes and assisted with sponsoring trips along with Lady Fields. Although Brenda’s health declined, her positivity never wavered. She designed shirts with her coined phrase “I AM SPECIAL BECAUSE I AM ME” for the youth and adults in her journey to instill positive self-esteem. She also designed a special card with one powerful word, “BELIEVE,” as a reminder to keep the faith.
Brenda fought the good fight and finished her race gracefully. “Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21
Everlasting memories of a life well lived will remain in the hearts of her brothers, Charles, Houston, Clyde and Maurice (Joyce), her devoted sister-cousins Fannie Bush (Ivan) and Georgia Goodwine-Christian, close friends, Darlene Barnes and Reyna Cloyd Hurdle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends