Shirley .D. Cunningham

Shirley D’Pal Cunningham, born Shirley D’Pal Downing, on April 16, 1939, in Pocomoke City on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to Mae "Nannie" Downing and Frank Wilson. She was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up surrounded by her loving brothers and sisters: Geraldine Jester, David Downing, Moena Arstrong, Levin Downing, Susan Taylor, and Celestine Wilson — all of whom preceded her in death. Shirley attended Stephen Long Elementary and Junior High School in Pocomoke City and attended Worcester High School in Newark, Maryland as the Class of 1957. Life’s journey brought her to Baltimore, where she later attended Essex Community College to obtain her GED. After moving to Baltimore, Shirley built a life dedicated to service and compassion. She began working at Rosewood Center and then at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Quarter Café. Recognizing her hard work and potential, Johns Hopkins offered her the opportunity to further her education at the Community College of Baltimore, leading to her career as a Nurse's Assistant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Shirley later trained as part of the EMT staff and ultimately retired after 36 dedicated years at Johns Hopkins Hospital, working as a GYN/OB Clinical Associate. Faith was the foundation of Shirley’s life. She was a member of Wayland Baptist Church for over 40 years and an active usher. In her younger years, she sang with the Macedonia Choir under Reverend Jackson, traveling and performing with well-known gospel groups—always with her mother by her side. She was also a longtime, proud member of the Steven Long Guild, Inc., Lodge. Family was Shirley’s greatest joy. She was a devoted mom, and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her kids. She leaves behind her beloved children: Melvin Downing (Annie), Kimberli Joyner (Leon Sr.), and Maurice Downing. She was a proud grandmother to Leon Joyner Jr., Rosalynn Joyner, Crystal Joyner, Shaiquahnn Downing, Marcus Downing, and Christian Downing, and a cherished great-grandmother to Dwayne Harvey Jr., Mason Peace, Dymond Harvey, and Camdyn Harvey. Shirley’s memory will also be carried on by a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Shirley had a zest for life that touched everyone she met. She loved cooking, traveling with her grandchildren to the country in their younger years, watching her favorite TV shows—Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and Judge Judy (though she often “fussed out” the judge)—and cheering on her favorite basketball and football teams. She was faithfully dedicated to attending all of her class reunions and was often the family historian, being the go-to person for any family facts or stories—some of which were, affectionately, a little far-fetched. Shirley D'Pal Cunningham passed peacefully on April 14, 2025, just two days shy of her 86th birthday. One of her favorite songs was “Lead Me, Guide Me,” a fitting reflection of the way she lived her life—with faith, love, and resilience guiding every step. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and community that will live on in all who knew her.

Tributes

Shirley .D. Cunningham

April 16, 1939 - April 14, 2025