Charlotte Bowman Cunningham

February 13, 1927 – October 27, 2024

Melbourne, Florida……Charlotte Bowman Cunningham passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord Jesus on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the age of 97. A long-time resident of Essex Fells and Verona, Charlotte will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Gregory Scott Cunningham, LtCol. Jon Craig Cunningham (USMC Ret), her daughter-in-law, Laura M. Cunningham, eight grandchildren, and everyone who has ever met this beautiful and kind soul. She was pre-deceased by her son, Jeffrey Bowman Cunningham. Charlotte was born on February 13th, 1927, and raised in Boones Mill, Virginia. She was very proud of her ancestry to the American pioneer, Daniel Boone. After high school, Charlotte graduated with honors from Meredith College in 1950, with a BA in music and went on to earn her master’s degree in music from Northwestern University. There, she was elected to the Honors Convocation of her graduating class. After college she married the late, Lawrence J. Cunningham, and they settled in Essex County. In addition to raising her family, Charlotte pursued further education in psychiatric social work and was later employed by the Essex County Department of Health and Rehabilitation, in 1969. She worked in this field for over 40 years, eventually being promoted to Director of Psychiatric Social Work and then Mental Health Administrator at Essex County Hospital Center. She was a dedicated mental health liaison to the state of New Jersey and Director of the Regional Children’s Crisis Intervention Services Advisory Board for the State. Upon her retirement she was honored by the Governor and State Legislature for her distinguished service. But Charlotte’s true passion in life was her love of music. She was an extraordinarily talented and accomplished pianist, organist, vocalist and accompanist. She was hired as the Minister of Music, First Presbyterian Church of Verona, in 1971. She served in that capacity for 43 years before retiring and moving to Florida in 2014. During this time Charlotte was the director of seven full-time choirs and played the most beautiful pipe organ and piano arrangements that anyone has ever heard. She would also frequently dazzle audiences inside and outside of church by playing piano for hours without using a single piece of sheet music. Despite working two demanding jobs, her boundless energy, attentiveness, devotion and “southern class” allowed her to be a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter and friend to all who knew her. Her beautiful smile, patience, and demeanor were a window to her precious soul and love for Jesus and her fellow man. She is now undoubtedly directing the choirs of angels in hymns of praise to her Savior. Charlotte will be buried next to her adoring parents, George and Frances Bowman, at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations would be made to the Charlotte Cunningham Memorial Fund, First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Farview Ave, Verona, New Jersey, 07044. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.