Sara Ford Cunningham
Sara Ford Cunningham, 91 years old, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2023. Born January 14, 1932 to Carl Bruce and Nannie Lou Ford in Erwin, TN, she graduated from Unicoi County High School in 1950, and from Carson Newman College receiving a B.S. degree in Biology with magna cum laude distinction in 1954. Sara moved to Memphis, TN in 1955 to train as a Medical Technologist.
Family was everything to Sara. She met the love of her life, David Lane Cunningham, on a blind date on February 5, 1955. They married on March 31, 1956 and raised their 4 children in Memphis. She was equally comfortable helping her sons rebuild a carburetor, or sewing beautiful outfits for her daughter, Sheri. Her warmth and hospitality extended to her children’s friends and many neighbors, where all were welcome to join her to cheer on the Vols and Memphis Tigers. Her home continues to be the favorite place for family celebrations, and Mama C, as she is affectionally known, will be greatly missed by all, especially her 15 grandchildren and their young families.
A natural born leader, Sara had a successful career as well as serving several nonprofit organizations in Memphis. As head of the diagnostics laboratories within the Baptist Hospital system from 1955 to 1967, Sara was a Medical Technologist and staff instructor. Upon her retirement from Baptist Hospital, Sara turned her focus to volunteer work, where she was involved at her children’s schools and in the community. She was P.T.A. President and supported her children’s many sports teams. An avid athlete herself, Sara enjoyed women’s tennis leagues, where she served as President. She loved playing golf and tennis with her family and friends, and was a member of Memphis Raquet Club and TPC Southwind.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Memphis, Sara joined the church over 60 years ago, and raised her children there. She volunteered countless hours on church committees and women’s groups, and participated in many Bible studies. Her love for the church community was evident in her dedication to her Sunday school class, involvement in service projects, and support for her church family.
In the community, Sara made a lasting impact. She was a member of Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society Auxiliary for several years, serving as an officer and president in the 1990’s. As a community volunteer, Sara was instrumental in acquiring a large grant for the Growing Healthy school health education program for public schools. She also served the Memphis Maternal League where she improved life for generations of newborns and their mothers in the Midsouth.
Sara is survived by her husband, David, and her 4 children, Mark (Shannon), Bruce (Kelly), Dale (Gina), and Sheri (Jim), her 15 grandchildren, their spouses and her 13 great grandchildren. Mama C will live on in our hearts, in our enthusiasm for family, and service in our communities.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Memphis 200 E. Pkwy N, Memphis, TN 30112 on Friday, November 17th with visitation at 11:30AM and service at 12:30PM.
The family requests that any memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Memphis or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.