A beloved resident of Jackson Springs, North Carolina, Edna Arlene Cunningham, has sadly passed away on January 7, 2026. At the age of 84, she departed peacefully at her home, surrounded by the loving embrace of her family, bringing a gentle close to a life marked by quiet strength and deep devotion.
Born on June 25, 1941, in Hagerstown, Maryland, to John and Edna Strolle Phetteplace, Edna grew up with the solid values of faith and family that would define her journey. Her early years in the Mid-Atlantic region instilled a sense of humility and resilience, qualities she carried as she built a life centered on service and love. Transitioning to North Carolina later in life, she found a peaceful home in Jackson Springs, where the rural beauty complemented her elegant and organized nature.
As the wife of an Army commander, Edna embodied the poise and friendliness expected in military circles, supporting her husband’s career with elegance and dedication. Her role demanded adaptability and strength, yet she approached it with humility, fostering warm connections wherever duty took them. This chapter of her life highlighted her ability to create stability and community amid frequent changes, earning admiration for her supportive and refined demeanor.
Edna’s strong faith in God served as the guiding light of her existence, demonstrated through humble actions rather than words. She lived her beliefs with quiet integrity, offering compassion and encouragement to those around her in everyday ways. In the close-knit environment of Jackson Springs, her spiritual depth provided comfort and inspiration, reflecting a lifestyle rooted in gratitude and gentle service to others.
Family formed the profound center of Edna’s world, where she shone as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, nurturing bonds with tenderness and wisdom. Her home became a haven of affection, filled with the joy of generational connections that brought fulfillment to her days. Though specific names beyond her immediate circle remain private, her devotion to loved ones left an enduring legacy of warmth and guidance.
Edna Arlene Cunningham’s life stands as a heartfelt tribute to one well lived through faith, familial love, and the elegant strength of a military spouse. A wake honoring her memory is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cunningham home, 135 Courtland Circle, Jackson Springs, NC 27281, offering a space for reflection and shared remembrance in the community she cherished.