Mrs. Jessica Joyner Cunningham was born on November 6, 1951 to the late Milton A. Joyner and Lula Lee Joyner in Farmville, NC. She was called to eternal rest on January 29, 2026. Jessica, the fifth child of ten children attended H.B. Sugg High School where she was a majorette, a member of the Future Homemakers of America, and the Class of 1970 Lions' Sweetheart. After high school, she matriculated at Norfolk State University where she pursued a bachelor's degree in Education as well as where she met the love of her life, Gene Cunningham. The couple married on August 9, 1976 and spent a year in Sweden before returning home to start a family and for her to begin her nearly 40-year career as a teacher for Fredericksburg City Public Schools.

Jessica was a loving mother, caring grandmother, dedicated daughter, fun loving sister, supportive aunt, loyal cousin, and dear friend to all those that were blessed to know her. Not only was she many of her students' favorite teacher, over the years she also served as the Jayem Varsity Girls' Basketball coach, a tutor as well as SAT test proctor. She was also affectionately known as the "ticket lady" that welcomed many James Monroe High School sports fans into football and basketball games.

Jessica touched the lives of her family and friends, always offering a smile and sharing a laugh with almost everyone she met. She became known for her jovial laugh, sassy spirit and her delicious cooking; often making her famous barbecue or spaghetti for events or for family and friends.

Jessica also loved the Lord and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site for over forty years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene A. Cunningham, Sr., brothers, James Joyner, Milton Joyner, Jr., Dana Joyner, Sr., Cedric Joyner and sister, Audrey Joyner.

Jessica leaves to cherish her memory, her first born, Eugene A. Cunningham II of Fredericksburg, VA, her loving and devoted daughter, Jessica Danielle Cunningham of Springfield, VA, one granddaughter, Jada Monae Cunningham, one great granddaughter, Anaïs Giselle Cunningham, four brothers, Mitchell (Barbara) Joyner Sr. of Chesapeake, VA, Linwood Joyner, Kenneth (Ann) Joyner, Sr., and Roger Joyner, Sr. of Farmville, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), 525 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Click here to view a live streaming of the funeral service. An additional viewing will be held at Hornes Funeral Home, 3865 S Main St, Farmville, NC 27828 on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The interment will be follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 9705 US-264 ALT, Farmville, NC 27828, at 1:00 PM.