Mary Elizabeth Cunningham

March 31, 1941 to January 20, 2021 Mary Elizabeth Cunningham, age 79, from Pace, Florida, passed away on January 20, 2021. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Catherine Smith, her sisters Kathleen and Veronica, her brother Thomas and “Baby George.” Mary is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John Sherman Cunningham, daughters Traci Clancy (John) of Covington, Kentucky and Verteen Morris (Marty) of Jay, Florida, three grandchildren, Kevin Clancy of Covington, Kentucky, Emily Hargett (Collin) of Pace, Florida, and Patrick Clancy of Waco, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, Fred Smith (Chris) and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured extended family and friends. Mary was born 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Edward and Catherine Smith. She was a devoted loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Mom loved her family more than life itself. Her grandchildren were her world. She was a dedicated parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton, Florida. If you knew Mary, aka Nana and Grandma, you knew she had such a Divine connection to God and was the first one we all called for special prayers. She was also passionate about her role as a Navy wife for over 20 years, developing lifelong friendships. She got involved everywhere she went, but by far, her favorite was our family’s tour of duty in Japan. She got very involved, learned the culture, taught English to a Japanese firm and brought her passion back to the United States. Upon her return to the states she also decided it was time to finish her education, including a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a Masters in Social Work. She had a wonderful career working with troubled teens at Lakeview Center. Always an advocate for children. She has been an integral part of the Japan American Society at the University of West Florida and initiated programs and activities that landed her most recently, the Japanese Consulate General’s award. Mary also loved her community. She served as President of her Homeowners Association with pride. In her free time….. She loved to write poems, one of which was published in a book of poems. Also close to her heart, was her love for the Steel Magnolia’s and the Canasta Kittens. Every woman needs a group of friends like these ladies. They laughed, prayed, cried and supported each other through thick and thin. Our family is forever grateful for their friendships. Our sweet Mom was a second Mother to so many of our friends and never met a stranger. Her life was blessed by so many. Services to honor Mary Elizabeth will be held as follows: Thursday evening, January 21, 2021 visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, Hwy. 29 Cantonment, Florida. Saturday, January 23, 2021, Funeral Service at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Milton, Florida, Mass 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.. Those attending burial will meet at Olive Baptist West in Warrington no later than 8:30 a.m. The family would like to send a special thank you to the caregivers at West Florida Hospital, Solaris, Covenant Hospice, and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.