Lois Eloise Cunningham

Eloise Cunningham, age 91, of Athens, TN passed at her home on March 30, 2026. Born on March 28, 1935, Eloise Cunningham was the fifth of six children (Lucille Westmoreland, Fred Adams, Katherine Hibbs, Gene Adams, Barbara Stimpson all of whom preceded her in death) born to Eula Mae and James Hobson Adams. Her childhood and early adult years were spent in northeast Alabama where she met and married her husband of 48 years, Willis P. Cunningham (deceased 2002) of Fort Payne, AL. Her husband was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and they moved to Athens, TN in 1973. She resided at 128 Dogwood Dr. until she passed peacefully at home on March 30. She participated in the Extension Homemakers Club and the Evening Pilot Club. She was a member of Athens Church of Christ and was actively involved in the "Bear Ministry”. She was the cornerstone of multiple family celebrations as her gifted southern culinary skills were the centerpiece of holidays and special occasions. The love of God was seen through her example of a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as "Gran" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family often told her of their love for her, and her usual reply was "I love you more.” Throughout her life, that statement was shown through her countless acts of service to her family.

Survivors include:

Children:

Debra (Cunningham) Lambert, spouse Ralph (Rick) Lambert (deceased) (Hixson, TN)

Michael Cunningham, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), spouse Melinda Cunningham (Centreville, VA)

Timothy Cunningham (Athens, TN)

Grandchildren:

Adam Lambert, spouse Karen Lambert (Hixson, TN)

Jason Cunningham, spouse Leila Drici (Alexandria, VA)

Rachel Cunningham (Aldie, VA)

Nathan Cunningham (Seattle, WA)

Caroline (Cunningham) Porath, spouse Kevin Porath (Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Great Grandchildren:

Destiny Lambert

Jude Drici-Cunningham

Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Minister Terry Stuart officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 3:00 PM (CST) (4:00 PM EST) Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Sand Rock Cemetery in Sand Rock, Alabama. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at The Parkinson's Foundation. 

Those unable to attend may send condolences tohttps://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/lois-cunningham. 

The family thanks Hospice of Chattanooga for their compassionate support. 

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.