Mrs. Vaness Elizabeth Cunningham

Vaness Birts Cunningham was born in Wauwatosa, WI on June 21, 1937 to the union of Leonard and Mabel Birts. She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Vaness was a faithful member at S. Mark A.M.E. Church and a member of the Doers Club. Vaness Birts was united in holy matrimony to the late Wilburn Cunningham on November 20, 1959 in Milwaukee, WI. this union was blessed with seven children. Vaness attended Lloyd Street School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, North Division High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College. her community involvement included Co-Founder of the Fabulous Fitness; Co-Founder of the Black Women's Network; Bay Joe Gans Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association. During her 27 year professional career at Firstar Bank, she served as a cashier, head teller, customer service representative and Adjuster. After retirement, she continued her banking expertise at North Milwaukee State Bank and Legacy bank. Her many interests included reading, cooking, traveling, gardening and spending time with those she loved. Vaness was known by all to be a God fearing woman who was warm, friendly and generous. She had a beautiful gentle smile, helpful hands and a caring attitude. "Mama Ness" was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt whose love knew no boundaries. We will miss her guidance, kindness, and wisdom. "Mama Ness" had an ear to lend and a space at her table for those in need. her spirit of family transcended to all she met as she demonstrated family unity and togetherness. Overall, she possessed a true servant's heart that portrayed a beautiful example of Christian fortitude. Vaness departed this life and entered Heaven's gates on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 and will be greatly missed by those she loved and cherished. She was preceded in death by her parents; Leonard and Mabel Birts, her loving husband of 43 years, Wilburn Cunningham, daughter, Deborah Holifield, son, Keith Cunningham, brothers, Horace, Wardell and Lamarr and granddaughter, Keirra Armstrong. Vaness is survived by her two daughters: Carmen & Michelle, three sons: Brian, Darrell and Aric Cunningham, grandchildren: Davonte, Darrell Jr., Kira, Breon, Faith, Hope and Cameron, three great grandchildren, four sisters: Mary Russell, Deloris Carter Mavis (Thomas) McCallum, Pearl (Charles) Brown and one brother: Berry (Sheila) Birts, two sisters-in-law: Donna (Kurt) Hamlin and Betty Birts, mother-in-law; Alberta Woods and two special cousins: Gloria Hall and Terry Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mrs. Vaness Elizabeth Cunningham

June 21, 1937 - October 14, 2014