W. Deane Cunningham, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Deane was born to Leroy and Marjorie Bronnenberg on October 26, 1925 and spent most of her life in Anderson. She briefly lived in Carmel, IN and Memphis, TN.
She graduated from Anderson High School in 1943 and was an avid Indian's basketball fan for many years, her family holding the same season tickets for 81 years. Deane attended Ball State University during World War II before marrying her first husband. She became a member of First United Methodist Church in Anderson in 1941 and volunteered countless hours helping her congregation with various mission and outreach projects. Her gifts of service and help were also reflected in the many organizations which she was involved, including being a Girl Scout Troop leader, volunteering with Civil Defense, Victoria Guild, United Way, Civic Women's Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Town and Gown, Starlighter's, Women's League of the Anderson Center for the Arts, Jo March Club and the Walk to Emmaus.
As a young woman, Deane roller skated, professionally, and judged competitions in the Midwest. She also loved to dance, especially at family weddings and in her kitchen! After her divorce from her first husband, she worked at Anderson University for over twenty years. This is where she met her second husband, Jack Cunningham, and they married in 1974. They spent many joyful years travelling the world together, raising their families, and enjoying the company of several close friends. They wintered for many years in Mooresville, NC at her daughter's home, where she continued to serve others in the soup kitchen. She is a past recipient of the William P. Reithmiller and Wanda Savage awards from Anderson University.
Deane loved her family and friends, her church and community and serving others. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She is preceded in death by her parents and stepson, Curtis Cunningham.
She is survived by her husband of almost 45 years, Jack Cunningham of Anderson, whom she married November 30, 1974; children, Pamela Black ( husband, Joe) Bubenzer of Mooresville, NC, Christy Black (husband Wes) Stephens of Charlotte, NC; Barbara Black( husband Jon) Smith of Anderson; Chad (Barbara) Cunningham of Pembrooke Pines, FL, Craig Cunningham and Cassee Cunningham,(husband Curt) Knaak of Charlotte, NC; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson, on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 3 p.m. Visitation with the family will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Private burial will take place at Bronnenberg Cemetery in Chesterfield.
In lieu of flowers, Deane wishes to have donations made to the Marjorie T. Bronnenberg Memorial fund at First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson, IN 46016 or the Christian Center, 625 Main Street; Anderson, IN 46016.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com