Bettye Cunningham, 88, of Charleston Illinois, formerly of Fairfield, Illinois, passed away on November 23, 2023, at the Odd Fellow – Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois.
She was born September 11, 1935, in Massilon Township, Illinois, the daughter of Leonard and Corrine (Behymer) Cunningham. Bettye worked as a nurse’s aide while raising her young son, then in 1974 returned to school and became a nurse. She spent most of her career at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, and later worked as an in-home care nurse in Fairfield. This was a perfect fit because she loved nursing and she loved to drive.
In 1998 Bettye moved to Charleston, Illinois, where she became the heart of her son Roger’s family, helping care for her grandsons Roger “Ian,” Sean, and Aaron Cunningham. Her brothers and sisters were important to her, and she talked to them often. She will be remembered for her unconditional love for her family.
She is survived by her son: Roger (Kim) Cunningham of Charleston, IL; grandchildren Roger Ian (Karen) Cunningham of New Orleans, LA, Sean Cunningham of Charleston, Illinois, and Aaron Cunningham of Charleston, Illinois; two great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Iris Cunningham; sisters: Joyce Loughmiller of Montgomery, IN, and Mary Ann Emerson of Louisville, KY; brother: Eldon Cunningham of Mt. Erie, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Charles Cunningham, Robert Cunningham, Kenneth Cunningham, and infant brother Lowell Cunningham.
Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at McKendree Cemetery in Mt. Erie, IL.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
