Virginia Howard Cunningham

On Friday, August 14, 2026, Virginia Ruth (Howard) Cunningham completed her earthly journey and took claim of her ultimate goal to be in the presence of God and to see her Jesus.
Virginia, age 95, was born on February 22, 1931, in White County, GA to Henry Robert Howard and Bertha (Thomas) Howard. She grew up in the Dukes Creek area of White County and in Gainesville, GA. She graduated from Sautee-Nacoochee High School in 1949. Virginia met her future husband at the Saturday Night Square Dance in Helen, GA, a handsome guitar picker from Hiawassee by the name of Harold Charles Cunningham. They were married on May 27, 1950 and made their home in Hiawassee. They built a small home that grew with additions as they started a family. Harold and Virginia were blessed with five children: Shelly (Mike) Berrong, Cheryl Barrett, Harold Charles (Cherie) Cunningham, Jr, Holly Cunningham and Sylvia (Larry) Ledford who further blessed them with five grandchildren: Derrick (Lori) Cunningham, Blythe (Tyler) Nicholson, Ginny (Jim) Shirley, Blair Burch and Cody (Amy) Shelton. Virginia, in later years, experienced the joys of seven great-grandchildren: Tanner and Sawyer Cunningham, Tripp and Carter Shirley, Boyd Burch, Eliza and Hazel Shelton. Virginia spent a full-time career of raising kids and keeping up the home front while Harold worked away from home to support the family. They later worked side-by-side at their service station and garage as they became empty nesters.
In 1976, Virginia campaigned and was elected as Clerk of Superior Court of Towns County.
She was the first woman ever elected to a county office in Towns County. She served two terms in that office. During her second term, a vacancy was created in the Ordinary's office and under law the position fell to the Clerk of Court. Virginia served as Ordinary/Probate Judge/Commissioner from November 1983 until March 1984.
Harold and Virginia spent 39 years together. Harold passed away in June 1989. Virginia lost the love-of-her-life, but picked up the pieces and carried on, spending valuable time with her kids and grandkids and helped take care of her parents until their passing.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Bertha, by her husband, Harold, by her siblings, Mildred, Frances, Bobby and Ruby and by a number of brothers/sisters-in-laws. She is survived by all of her afore mentioned five children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Alice Cunningham, and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Virginia was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She was a member of Lower Hightower Baptist Church in Hiawassee. Virginia wore several titles: "Mom" was the most popular and she answered to many names: "Maw, Jenny and Grandma Ham" were the most endearing. Her family was her lifeblood and she shared herself to the very end. She was loved by many and will be missed more than words can express.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 5-8 PM at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home.

 Funeral services will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 2 PM from the Chapel of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home with Pastor Jason Cantrell and Pastor Steve Merck officiating. Special music will be presented by Cindy Whitmore. Interment will be following at Osborn Cemetery.

The following grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as Pallbearers: Derrick Cunningham, Cody Shelton, Tanner Cunningham, Tripp Shirley, Sawyer Cunningham and Mason Ledford.
Carter Shirley and Boyd Burch will serve as Junior Pallbearers. 

In lieu of floral tributes, the family respectfully requests the consideration of donations to Sweet Comfort Hospice Services, 86 Seasons Lane, Hiawassee, GA 30546 to honor Virginia's memory