Blanche was born in her home in Shelby County, Illinois on July 10, 1930. She was raised with 2 younger sisters and one 1 younger brother. In the 3rd grade, she moved to Shelbyville, Illinois where she spent most of her childhood up until high school where she attended Redford High School in Detroit Michigan. She ultimately moved back to Shelbyville where she graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1948.
After high school, she enjoyed working for the Shelbyville Public Schools. She also took pride in her position at the Stetson China Company. She attended Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois where she and her husband Jim went together. It was so important to Blanche that her sweet Jim had his class ring, she worked extra hours to surprise him with the ring that he didn’t think they could afford.
Jim and Blanche went on to marry in Henton, Illinois on June 10, 1951. They had a wonderful marriage for 65 years before Jim passed away September 20, 2016. Blanche and Jim moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she spent her quality time as stay home wife and mother. She also enjoyed her work at Florence Christian Church and later took a full time position with the Omaha Public Schools.
Blanche was a member of the church throughout her life and took most pride in serving God. She loved teaching Sunday school at her church and working with the youth groups. She loved being a part of bible studies and prayer groups.
Blanche’s love for Jesus made her a kind and loving servant for the Lord. She was very open about the word of God and led many people to serve and know Him.
So many kinds words have been said about her, too many to count. Her friend said it perfect, “To have known Blanche, we have experienced riches.”
Blanche is survived by her children James R. (Cindy) Cunningham and Vicki Anderson; granddaughters Jennifer Andrade, Jacquie Cunningham, Brooke Whitfield, Morgan Borlase and Haley Cehura; great grandsons, Ethan, Gavin, Colin Andrade, Woods Whitfield, Pierre Borlase and great granddaughter Dagny Whitfield; sisters Louise Martin and Eileen Cooper. She is preceded in death by her husband James M. Cunningham, son David Lee Cunningham and brother Gaylord Tull, Parents Ray and Bernice Tull.
Visitation Thursday 5-7 pm at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th St. Omaha NE Funeral Service Friday 5.25.18 10:00 am at Kingsway Christian Church 1106 S 139th St. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials Kingsway Christian Church. Luncheon served at church after burial.
Thank you cousin Candy. She loved you so much and loved getting many sweet cards from you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s comforting to know that we have a Heavenly Father who knows our inner-most struggles to come to terms with our loss. I recently lost a brother, a sister-in-law and most recently a best friend so I can sympathize with your pain. I found a comforting scripture at 2 Corithians 1:3-4 which speaks of Jehovah as the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our trials. I hope this brings you the same comfort as it has me. For more comforting thoughts visit JW. Org.
Thank you kindly.
Vicki, Jim and Cunningham family-
So so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of her, your Dad, and all of you, especially at Florence Christian Church. Please accept my condolences, and prayers are going out to all of you in your time of grieving.
Thank you kindly, Laurie.
I am indeed very sad to receive this news. Blanche was a beautiful, poised, kind, christian, mother and grandmother – and I suspect not just to her immediate family, but many others she came in contact with. Always a kind word and interested to know about you, your family, your life and travels, she will no doubt be missed by many, but remain in our hearts as an example of how to walk in the Lord’s way.
Thank you kindly, Alan.
I always thought Aunt Blanche was so loving and was one of the classy woman I ever knew. She will be missed.
Aunt Blanche always had such an open heart & a welcoming smile. Her smile was contagious & she never left any doubt that she loved you.
I will forever miss her laugh & her gentle ways.
Thank you Belinda. She loved you dearly.