A loving, kind, and selfless wife, mom, and grandma, Carolyn Cunningham, age 73, of Bellbrook, passed away Tuesday, June 6th, 2017 at Miami Valley Hospital.

Carolyn was born November 16th, 1943 to Mildred (Underwood) Cates and John Cates. She graduated from Central High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and while there she wrote the winning essay on welfare that earned her a trip to Washington DC to meet the President. Carolyn earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Masters Degree from Old Dominion University. She was passionate about teaching. Because her husband, Paul, was in the military, Carolyn taught elementary in Hawaii, Virginia, Alabama, and locally, in Huber Heights.

When she finished her teaching career, Carolyn started working for the Air Force in Contract Administration. She continued on at WPAFB in various areas but closed out her time with the Logistics Division as a Program Manager.

Carolyn and Paul were formerly members of Huber Heights First Baptist Church. In her early years, Carolyn enjoyed water-color and charcoal painting. In more recent years, she has enjoyed weekend road trips with her family. More than anything, she loved being a grandma.

She was preceded in death by her her parents, brother, and sister. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 52 years, Paul Cunningham; daughter, Larisa May (Dean) of Lebanon; son, Doug Cunningham (Amy) of Bellbrook; five grandchildren, Colton, Lacey, and Jessi May; and Kyle and Jake Cunningham.

To help the family celebrate her life, you are invited to a visitation at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home, 92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, Sunday, June 11th, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Life celebration services will continue on Monday, June 12th, 2017 at 11:00 am at CONNER & KOCH Life Celebration Home (937-848-6651) with burial to follow at Bellbrook Cemetery.

In memory of Carolyn, the family requests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2621 Dryden Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45439. You are welcome to send a condolence or flowers, light a candle and share a story or picture about Carolyn at www.ConnerAndKoch.com.

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