Charlie Cunningham

Charlie Cunningham of West Columbia, SC, the son of the late Johnny and Bertha Hollingworth Cunningham departed this life on August 23, 2020 at the age of 81.

He is formerly of Capitol Heights, MD, the husband of Bernice D. Cunningham.

He was born in McCormick, South Carolina where he received his early education from McCormick County School system.

 At an early age he joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where he gave his life to the Lord. He remained a member of Mt. Moriah until he united in marriage to Bernice Moton and moved to Washington, DC., where he joined Antioch Baptist Church (Deanwood) in Washington, DC where he remain a member for over 50 years.  Deacon Cunningham known as ‘Mr. C’ served as a Deacon, Usher and Choir member at Antioch. He was a member of Prince Hall Masonic family and also Royal Arch Mason.

Charlie and Bernice were blessed with three children, Charles, Michael and Barbara. Deacon Charlie Cunningham worked for B. Frank Joy Construction Company of Washington until his retirement.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Bernice D. Cunningham, of West Columbia, SC; one daughter, Barbara Cunningham Rouse of Hampton, GA; two sons, Michael Christopher Cunningham of Germantown, MD; Charles Lewis Cunningham (Ersell) of Marietta, Georgia, son-in-law, Sidney Rouse; five grandchildren, Tiffany Champouillon (Nathan), Charlton Cunningham, Sydne’ Makeda Rouse, Malcolm Isaiah Rouse, Miles J. Rouse; four great grandchildren, Thompson Champouillon, Lawrence Champouillon, Frederic Champouillon, Zaniyah Dior’ Hardeman; three sisters, Emma Robertson and Bertha Cartledge both of Plum Branch, SC and Verdella Samuels of Bowie, MD; siblings that preceded him in death; Floyd, William ‘Bully’, Eugene ‘Gene’, Arthur ‘Chess’ Cunningham, Cora Bell,Louise Cunningham Talbert and Annie Mae Musier; sisters-in-law, Julia M. Witherspoon (Rev. Dr. Lavern) of Columbia, SC, Jessie M. Bowie (Donald) of McCormick, SC, Merry M. Myers (Robert) and Audrey M. Moton of Columbia, SC, Pomelia Moton of Edgefield, SC, Lorene Moton of Aiken, SC, Murhl Bussey of Atlanta, GA; eight brothers-in-law , Willie Moton (Mary), Clayton Moton, Eddie F. Moton, Sr., Charlie Moton (Margaret), Lawrence C. Moton, Sr. (Brenda) of McCormick, SC, Franklin R. Moton (Theresa), Henry L. Moton (Debra) and Lonnie Moton (Carolyn) of Greenwood, SC; and host of ‘special’ nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 am Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Plum Branch, SC.

Viewing will be held from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at the funeral home.

Due to the CDC guidelines because of COVID-19, please wear your mask and practice social distancing and always pray.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Cunningham Family.

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