"Life is a Process"

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished the course. I have kept the faith". Paul H. Cummings was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 7, 2021, after enduring a battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul was surrounded by family as he quietly and peacefully entered eternal rest.

Paul was born on October 21, 1955, to the late Herman and Margaret William (formerly Margaret Cummings) in Brooklyn, New York, and later resided in Riverside, California. He was the oldest of six children. Paul honorably served in two military services for a period that included the U.S. Marines Corps and the U.S. Army, respectively. He received a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Virginia Union University. Paul worked in the Criminal Justice field throughout his career and retired from the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia as the Superior Court Drug Court Intervention Program Liaison on November 1, 2017. He was a member of St. Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Paul was blessed with four beautiful daughters, Kenja, Kaci, Caitlin, and Camille. When he married the love of his life, Cynthia, to this union Caitlin and Camille were born. Paul loved being a girl Dad. Paul and Cynthia recently celebrated 29 wonderful years of marriage on September 26, 2021.

He was fun-loving and enjoyed spending time with his cherished friends talking about sports, current events, and his children. Paul spoke softly and found no need to raise his voice. He was a kind, gentle-hearted man, with a humble spirit. To his children, Paul proclaimed himself a comedian. His children challenged this regularly. When Paul laughed, he had the biggest inviting smile. He enjoyed jogging, working out, listening to a variety of music, "especially jazz" and taking care of his lawn. To know Paul, you knew he was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers fan!

Paul enjoyed life to the fullest, recognized the preciousness of our time on earth, and was always ready for a new adventure. He loved to travel with Cynthia or go on family trips that included friends. Paul will be especially remembered for his endless devotion to his wife, children, and family.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated wife, Cynthia Cummings; four daughters, Kenja Cummings, Kaci Cummings Sutherlin (Gerrard) of Richmond, VA, Caitlin and Camille Cummings of Fredericksburg, VA; two grandchildren, Keyon Givens and Giselle (Zelle) Sutherlin; one brother, Kevin Cummings (Linda); four sisters, Denise Taylor (Darryl), Drea, Kimberly Fowlkes (David), and Michelle Williams; mother-in-law, Margaret Barbour; two sister-in-laws, Phyllis Barbour and Michelle Thompson (Karl); two brother-in-laws, Ronnie Barbour (Stephanie) and Calvin Barbour; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Paul had special bonds with his granddaughter, Zelle; niece, Jair; and great-niece Aaliyah.

Paul enjoyed his quiet time with the Lord and trusted in his faith. He was thankful and amazed with how God continued to keep him here after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. However, he would not question God's plan. When asked how he coped with his illness, he would say he chose to pray about it and not worry about it.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Johns Hopkins to support pancreatic cancer research. Johns Hopkins is the leading pancreatic cancer research center in the world. Donations can be made in memory and honor of our loved one, Paul H. Cummings. Click here to make donations online or to make donations via mail to, Ralph H. Hruban, M.D., Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Carnegie 417, Baltimore, MD 21287. Please indicate on the memo line of the check, Paul H. Cummings, in whose memory the donation is being made.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408, on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment at Roselawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, 13389 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059 at 2:00 PM. There will be no repast at the conclusion of the services.