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A. L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Fredericksburg

200 Butternut Drive

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Jessica Cunningham Obituary

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. 

Published by A. L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Fredericksburg on Feb. 22, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessica Cunningham

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Carol Tydings

March 16, 2026

She was a sweet lady good teacher

Brenda Newton Dalton

February 28, 2026

As Jessica ascends to her Heavenly home to be with her Heavenly Father, she can now obtain her crown and take her place among the angels. GOD has a beautiful special place for her where she can rest in eternal peace. No more pain, no more sorrow. Please know that our hearts are with you. Please know also how much we care and share your pain in losing your beloved. Be sustained, encouraged and comforted. Love you all.

Trudy Smith Wilson

February 21, 2026

My heartfelt condolences to Eugene, Danielle, Jada and great granddaughter. Jessica was a beautiful person with a loving smile. I remember meeting her the first time Gene brought her home to meet his mother, my aunt Grace. Like many of his cousins, I felt like she was family. She was loved and cherished by all of us.

Evelyn Newton

February 20, 2026

My condolences to the Cunningham & Joyner families.

Gwendolyn Bailey

February 20, 2026

Jessica loved her family beyond measure and we loved her as much.
She never lost her Faith in God,and that kept her Mentally Strong. I am grateful that she was able to see and love her pretty GreatGranddaughter, Annaise. May God continue Blessing
Gene,Danielle,Jada and Annaise. May they find Comfort knowing Jessica
is now at Peace surrounded by her
Husband,Mother,Father,Siblings,
GrandParents and other Family
Members. Cousin Jessica you"Fought
A Good Fight"Now Rest On❤
Donald &Gwendoly Dupree Bailey and
Family,Jim&Sandra Dupree Davis and
Family

Kim & Herdinia Catlett

February 19, 2026

Family, grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Deepest sympathies,
Kim &. Herdinia

Beverly Lawson

February 19, 2026

Jessica will be missed by all who knew her; my prayers of comfort to the family.

Toni Catlett Johnson

February 18, 2026

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dorothy Ross

February 16, 2026

Sending Condolences to the Cunningham family may God give you strength during these trying times RIP Jessica God Bless

Ebony Williams

February 14, 2026

Aunt Jessica i am going to miss your sweet soul so much. So much I want to say to you and just can't fi d the right words but I love you and say hi to the rest of the family up there

Iris Lucas Keeve

February 13, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

Samuel Newton

February 13, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.s

Vonda Johnson

February 12, 2026

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for comfort and peace to the Cunningham family. Jessica’s welcoming presence and warm, beautiful smile will always be remembered.

Praying that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts during this time. — Philippians 4:7

LaVerne Jones Turner

February 10, 2026

Danielle and Family, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your precious mother and loved one. To know Jessica was to love her. May it comfort you to know that so many of us will remember her as a very kind and caring person.
A mother’s love is eternal. Hold on to your loving memories and let them be your guiding light. Prayers and blessings

Terence and Felissia Joyner

February 9, 2026

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Paula Huzella

February 9, 2026

My condolences to and prayers for the family.

February 8, 2026

On behalf of A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, we express our deepest condolences during this difficult time. We extend continued prayers of strength and comfort. Our thoughts are with your family.
A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home

Debra Horton

February 7, 2026

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Regina Mack-Abney

February 7, 2026

To the family of my Dearest Friend Jessica (Aka: Quaker)
I would like to extend my Deepest of Sympathy for your loss. I met Jessica my Freshman year at Norfolk State University and we have been Besties ever since.
She had the kindness of a heavenly Angel and will be missed by all that knew her .
We have loss an Angel

Jose Brown

February 7, 2026

My deepest sympathy condolences and prayers are with the Cunningham family.

Sarita Foxx

February 7, 2026

Jessica Cunningham will always have a strong place in My heart. My daughter’s grandmother was our back bone. I will never forget, the time. I first met her. I was 19 , she used to say “Reedie you eat like a little bird” I use to be so shy,but It wasn’t that long after. I started chewing back as Jessica called it. Enjoying her famous barbecue, potato salad fried chicken etc all of those special times spent together for the holidays , North Carolina trips. I enjoyed every moment , her being a supportive mother in- law and grandmother to Jada meant more to me then life. Jessica never let us down or turned her back on us . Jessica you were a mother to me someone that you only come across in life once in a blue. Rest in paradise queen , you are no longer in pain.

Debbie Body

February 6, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you and your family are going through. I pray God gives you strength and peace during this difficult time.

Shirley Whitaker

February 6, 2026

To the Cunningham Family:

It is with much sadness that I send my sincere condolences in the loss of Jessica Cunningham. She was a great mother, grandmother, aunt, co-worker and friend. She was a kind, giving person who would do anything to help you. That smile she carried on her face warmed your heart and showed you how loving and caring she was.

I met Jessica at Norfolk State University as a student and friend of then Eugene Cunningham, one of our outstanding student-athlete basketball players.
I was administrative assistant in Athletics and assisted in the organization and adminitration of the program and its student-athletes. A lot of student-athletes came to me for advice and direction and so did their special friends - Jessica was one of a special friend to Eugene Cunningham.

Jessica and Eugene later married and had children and lived a successful and happy life in Fredericksburg. I was so proud of Eugene that I nominated him for the Athletics Foundation Hall of Fame of which he was inducted. Jessica was appreciative so much so that she kept in contact and we became friends, even after Eugene passed.

She will truly be missed, but God had a better plan.

Rest in peace my dear friend.

Veronica Hicks

February 6, 2026

Sending our sincere condolences for the loss of dearest mom, sister and grandma. May she rest in peace.

S J Cordell-Robinson

February 5, 2026

My Sister/Friend, Jess, was the epitome of love. Even as she loved and spoiled her Family, she was kind, considerate, and gave often of herself to others. She could cook, too. She loved my spaghetti and brownies, and I loved her barbecue (remembering our NC Roots. She was dear to Sid and me, and I know he greeted her in Heaven. Rest softly, dear Jessica . You are loved and will be deeply missed...♥♥

Alice Thompson

February 5, 2026

To the Family Members ,you have my Deepest Sympathy. Prayers of Comfort and Healing for your loss.

Quinton Walton

February 5, 2026

Aunt Jessica was always a beacon of light with a beautiful and bright smile to go along with it. It was always a joy to get to see and hug her at any family function. Auntie, you will be sorely missed. Rest In Heaven

Mandy Carr

February 5, 2026

My deepest condolences to Jessica’s family. She was a wonderful mother, educator, friend and person. Just remember she was so proud of you all. May she rest in the arms of the Lord, pain free.

Sheryl Conyers Holmes

February 5, 2026

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Jessica had such a sweet spirit. I will forever cherish our friendship.

Andrea Williams

February 5, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Will miss speaking with Jessica, she was someone who understood and cared about what was going on in other people's lives.

Tammie Coghill-Bish

February 5, 2026

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Anne Joyner

February 5, 2026

My sister in-law was one of the BEST sister in-law any one could ask for. Any time you needed anything she would do her best to help you wether she knew you or not. She had a big Heart and that beautiful Smile to go along with that Heart of Gold. When we call her she would always ask Kent how my sister in-law doing even when she was in pain she thought of others. I would always say Jessica Dean how you doing today. God has gained a beautiful soul. Your brother Kent and sister in-law Anne will alway keep you in our ♥ Heart Love always KENT & ANNE JOYNER
GONE BUT NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!!

Murdock Griffin

February 5, 2026

R I P.

Paulette and Frank Hawthorne

February 5, 2026

Our condolences to the family of my dear friend Jessica- my vacation buddy. She will be truly missed and was loved.
Praying for your strength knowing that Jessica is at peace.

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Memorial Events
for Jessica Cunningham

Feb

20

Viewing

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home

200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Feb

21

Viewing

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

525 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Feb

21

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

525 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Funeral services provided by:

A. L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Fredericksburg

200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408