Jeanette Pearl Cunningham Obituary May 22, 2026 | Charlotte, NC
Jeanette Pearl Cunningham, 79, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Jeanette Pearl Cunningham, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Charlotte community, entered into eternal rest on May 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her gentle grace, radiant smile, compassionate heart, and unwavering faith, Jeanette lived a life filled with kindness, service, and quiet strength. She will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and brought warmth and comfort to everyone around her.
A Life Well Lived
Jeanette Pearl Cunningham was born on April 28, 1947, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She grew up in a loving family that instilled in her strong Christian values, a love for learning, and a heart for helping others. After graduating from Myers Park High School, Jeanette attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education.
She dedicated over 35 years to teaching in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system, primarily as a beloved third-grade teacher. Generations of students remembered her as the patient, encouraging educator who made learning joyful and helped every child feel seen, valued, and capable. Even after retiring in 2009, Jeanette continued volunteering as a tutor and Sunday school teacher, always finding ways to nurture young minds and hearts.
In 1970, Jeanette married the love of her life, Charles Robert Cunningham. Together they built a beautiful home filled with love, laughter, and strong family traditions. She was a longtime active member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, taught children’s Bible classes, and participated in women’s ministry. Jeanette had a passion for gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her famous pound cake and beautifully decorated holiday tables were always anticipated at family gatherings and church events.
Surviving Family Members
Jeanette is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Charles Robert Cunningham of Charlotte; her children: daughter Susan (Mark) Thompson of Raleigh, North Carolina, and son David (Jennifer) Cunningham of Huntersville, North Carolina; her cherished grandchildren: Emma, Jacob, and Abigail Thompson, and Noah, Sophia, and Benjamin Cunningham; and many loving siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Pearl, and her sister, Patricia Pearl Hayes.
Funeral Details and Arrangements
A Celebration of Life service for Jeanette Pearl Cunningham will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Michael Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 26, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service.
Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte. Pallbearers will include her son, son-in-law, and grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church’s Children’s Ministry or to the American Cancer Society in Jeanette’s loving memory.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Jeanette Pearl Cunningham was the heart of her family and a gentle light to all who knew her. She lived with grace, loved deeply, and served others with humility and joy. Whether nurturing young students in her classroom, caring for her own family, or offering encouragement and a warm hug to a friend in need, Jeanette gave from a heart full of compassion.
She taught her children and grandchildren the beauty of faith, the importance of kindness, and the value of cherishing every moment together. Her warm presence, wise counsel, delicious home-baked treats, and peaceful spirit created a home filled with love, security, and laughter. Jeanette faced every season of life with quiet courage and an unshakable trust in God.
Though our hearts ache with her passing, we find great comfort knowing Jeanette has gone home to her Heavenly Father, reunited with loved ones who preceded her. Her legacy of love, faith, and gentle strength will continue to live on through her family and all the lives she so beautifully touched.
Condolences and Guestbook
The Cunningham family warmly invites relatives, friends, former colleagues, and church members to share memories, stories, and words of comfort in the guestbook below. These tributes will be treasured as the family celebrates Jeanette’s beautiful life and finds strength during this time of sorrow.
