Evangelist Earnestine Cunningham

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Earnestine Elois Cunningham answered her Master’s call on July 3, 2025, at the blessed age of 91. Born Earnestine Barnes on January 27, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, she was the cherished daughter of the late Mr. Wilson D. Barnes Sr. and Mrs. Evelyn E. Cox, and a devoted sister to the late Mr. Wilson Leroy Barnes Jr. and Mr. Willie Floyd Barnes.

Mother Cunningham’s life was a testament to her firm foundation in God and His Word. In 1948, she accepted Jesus as her personal Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith that would touch countless lives. She passionately shared the Word of God with all whom she encountered, ensuring that the light of Christ shone brightly wherever she went. Her spiritual roots deepened when she graduated from Gillespie-Selden Institute in Cordele, Georgia, in 1952. She subsequently relocated to Springfield, Ohio, in 1953, residing with her beloved grandparents, James and Phredona Joyner, affectionately known as “Gramps and Big Mama.” It was through attending Sunday School Conventions and Circle Meetings with Big Mama that she realized, “I went for the physical food, but God was feeding me spiritually.”

On January 19, 1957, she married the love of her life, then Airman First Class Huey Calvin Cunningham. To this blessed union, two beautiful children, Calvin and Linda, were born. Their journey together led them from Riverside, California (1958-1963) to Chambley Air Force Base in France (1963-1966), where she selflessly served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and a Primary School Teacher. Upon returning to Ohio in July 1966, residing near Lockbourne AFB (now Rickenbacker AFB), she continued to serve as a Brownie Leader. Since 1969, she has been a beloved resident of Omar Drive in Columbus, Ohio. In 1975, Mother Cunningham rededicated her life to the Lord, affirming her unwavering commitment to Christ. On November 11, 1976, she received the call by God to become an Evangelist.

Mother Cunningham’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, service, and unwavering faith. She was renowned for her deep affection for Christmas and its lights, a joy shared annually with her family, especially through the dedicated decorating efforts of her granddaughter, Ebony Brown. She ensured her grandchildren understood the Lord, lovingly giving each one a Psalm to memorize and read, instilling in them a spiritual heritage. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family; she babysat and cared for many children, pouring her heart into their upbringing. Her compassionate care for her own mother, brother, and husband until their return home to glory exemplified her boundless devotion.

A true homemaker, Mother Cunningham made everything from scratch, from delicious meals to intricate sewing projects. She passionately shared her love of baking, cooking, sewing, and homemaking with her family, teaching all the girls these invaluable skills, leaving a legacy of domestic artistry.

Her dedication to ministry was profound. From 1966 to 1981, she was an active member of various churches, serving as President of the Junior Usher Board at St. Luke Baptist Church, Chaplain of the Guild at Ebenezer Baptist Church, a faithful member of Temple of Compassion, and Youth Pastor/Radio Announcer at Greater Grace Temple. In the 1980s she alongside her good friend Evangelist Gertrude Motley held services weekly on Mondays at the Columbus Rehabilitation Center. In November of 1981 she served as founding pillar, member and Assistant Pastor of the Full Gospel Pentecostal Holiness Church alongside the late great Pastor Alberta Sheridan. During her tenure she served in various roles and taught the word of God. She was devoted to serving

and visiting the sick and made house calls to share Christ with those who were on their road to recovery. She frequently fellowshipped and preached the word of God across Central Ohio, and in several churches including Divine Kingdom Builders Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Plummer and New Hope Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Viola Carter. She served faithfully until the closing of the church in 2006. In 2007, the Lord sent her to Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Nehemiah Howard. Her impact was immense; she served as President of the Missionary Board, Sunday School teacher for the Adult Women’s Class, and Assistant Teacher for the Prayer & Bible Band, State Prayer Warrior as well as a cherished Mother’s Board member. She was even the star in a play where she shared God with those whom she encountered throughout the play. Her spiritual influence reached beyond Columbus, as she was also an Honorary Church Mother for The Glorious Temple COGIC of Brooklyn, NY and served faithfully on Ohio Central East Jurisdiction COGIC Monday Night Prayer Group with her beloved friend, Mother Simon from Massillon, OH. On November 29, 2007, she was the recipient of the Victorious Woman’s Award.

She truly loved to celebrate all things Jesus and was known for making those one-of-a-kind phone calls on your Birthday or to tell you what “Thus saith the Lord.” She was an avid traveler as she visited the Holy Lands in the 70s, cruising on multiple occasions with her beautiful daughter, Lovely Linda, son-in-love David, her other daughter Dionne and friends. She loved Jesus, her family, laughing and some good food. And for those who may not have known, Mother Evangelist Cunningham was also a #1 Buckeye fan! Her granddaughter Toya had the honor of getting tickets to take her to her first ever Ohio State football game where she wore her jersey, wide legged jeans and her large white fanned clip-on earrings. She would pray for the Buckeyes and would watch the

games faithfully and cheer them on.

On December 26, 2024, all her grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived to have breakfast with her. This was one of the happiest days they spent together just eating, laughing and talking about the good times, family and eating good. However, on December 27, 2024, Mother Cunningham experienced chest pain and was admitted to the hospital. During her time there, while she was recovering, she used that time to minister to every physician, nurse, aide, food service and housekeeping staff she encountered. Even in her illness, she still found a reason to give God ALL the GLORY and HONOR that was due HIM.

Upon her return to her beloved home of over fifty years in January 2025, she worked hard to recuperate so she could get back to church to serve God’s people. Her family and church family visited, and her great-grandson Jaydan also known as Prince, making store runs for his Ma C and Nana and great-grandson Jhase calling her on the phone. Then there is her great-granddaughter Layla being Mimi’s official nurse and other great-grand daughters Zarah and Journey drawing pictures and bringing things over to Mimi. While on the road to recovery she still attended prayer calls, attended service online and would spend time with God daily. Over the last seven months she spent time with wonderful children (Calvin and Linda) daily and they served her faithfully and honorably until her last breath.

Mother Evangelist Cunningham leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Calvin Cunningham, Linda (David Howard Sr.); adopted daughter: Dionne Davis, and Praise Daughter Lady Brenda Baldwin. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren: LaToya (Charles) Burger Jr., LaTonya Dowdell, Richard Liggins, Daniel Coleman, Dawn (Aaron Jones), Donna Baskerville, Karee (Jacob) Martin, David Howard Jr., Corey Anderson, Robert and Bria Baldwin; great-grandchildren: Jaydan & Jhase Henderson, Layla Joy Tyler, Zarah & Journey Boysaw, Grant Jones, Shayla, Jonathan Burger, and Celena (Christopher) Cookhorne, Takeo (Mariah) Floyd, Zion McCarty, and Jada Martin. In addition to ten great-great-grandchildren, she is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Nancy Cunningham and Mary Elizabeth Smith; nephews: Alfred Whatley, Edward Cunningham, Houston, Jerrod, Thomas, and Phillip Kyle; nieces: Yvonne Barnes, Sharon Boyle, Ernestine Williams, Elaine Kyle, Sherron and Ethel Smith, and her cherished Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ Family. She was also “Mom,” “Grandma,” “Ma C,” “Mimi,” “Mother,” “Mom C.,” and sometimes just “C” to countless bonus family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson David Barnes Sr. and Evelyn K. Cox; brothers: Wilson Barnes Jr. and Willie Floyd Barnes; maternal grandparents: James and Phredona Joiner; paternal grandfather: Willie Barnes, and granddaughter: Precious Dowdell.

The family extends special thanks to Dionne Davis for taking time off work for over a month to care for Mother Cunnigham upon her return home. Toya, Tonya, Dawn and Donna taking shifts to care for Grandma. Her grandson Charles Burger Jr. for fixing things around the house as she wanted to pay him, and he refused any payment. Her son-in-love David for making runs to the grocery store and various restaurants. Close friend Janet Brooks who faithfully came to care for her and to bring Liver and Onions. Additional caregivers: Gayle Dowdell Wilson, Lisa Cunningham, and Carol Mackey-Rollins. Special adopted granddaughter: Ebony Brown for setting up Grandma’s Christmas tree and decorations every year; Krystal Giles, a beloved friend since 2011. She was an AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, KIND AND LOVINGwife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her favorite colors were red for the Blood of Jesus, white for purity and purple for Royalty. She was a great, powerful and mighty woman of God who has left a legacy that stretches far and wide. Therefore, the legacy she has left us with, should call for each and every one of us to tell someone just like she would.... “Jesus is coming, are you ready?”