Dorothy Elaine Cunningham

Dorothy was born to Drew and Ruth Varney in Nellore India on October 20, 1932. Drew and Ruth were American Baptist missionaries to India. Dorothy grew up there along with her older sister, Harriet and her younger brother, Clarence. When Dorothy was about 12, the family returned to the US. She finished high school and went on to Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital where she earned her nursing degree. While working as a nurse at a camp in Green Lake, Wisconsin, she met Eugene Cunningham. They fell in love and married. They lived a few years in Illinois and then moved to Arizona. They lived briefly in Tucson and then moved to Willcox, which became their home for more than 50 years. When they were settled in Willcox, their dream of having a family came true through adoption. First, they were blessed with Tamara at 3 months of age. Then the family was completed when Stephen arrived at 2 years of age. Gene began working as the city clerk for Willcox and later changed occupations to the US Postal service. Dorothy worked at Northern Cochise Community Hospital as a nurse and as the Inservice director. She taught nurses continuing education classes. Just before her retirement she became the director of the nursing home section of the hospital. Dorothy continued using her nursing skills even after retirement doing physical exams for insurance companies. Dorothy and Gene had each committed their lives to their Lord Jesus Christ even before they met. They became active members of First Baptist Church of Willcox. Dorothy played the piano and organ, taught a Sunday school class, was a deaconess and served on the missions committee. Gene served as a treasure in the church and on the pulpit committee. He also served many years on the board of Huachuca Oaks Baptist Camp. When Dorothy and Tammy moved to Sierra Vista, they became members of Sierra Vista Baptist Church. They were faithful members until they had to move to Tempe to care for Dorothy's failing health. Dorothy died peacefully in her sleep on August 12, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and Marc, her sister-in-law, Nancy, her nephew. Jeff and her beloved husband, Gene. She is survived by her daughter, Tamara, her son, Stephen, her brother, Clarence Memorial services were held 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sierra Vista Baptist Church, 215 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635. Cremation interment will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Sunset Cemetery.

Dorothy Elaine Cunningham

October 20, 1932 - August 12, 2026