Rebecca Cunningham

Rebecca Cunningham, 70, passed away Nov. 24, 2016. She was born Sept. 29, 1946 to Robert and Juanita Casteel in Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of White Hall High School in White Hall, Ark., she later earned an undergraduate degree from Henderson State University and a Master's from the University of Arkansas. Her favorite jobs were being a mother--she adored her two sons and was not shy about bragging about them--and teaching English at Pine Bluff High School in Arkansas. While a student in White Hall, "Becky" was the first female Student Council president, and was also honored with Homecoming Queen, 1964. She acquired her love for speech and drama at White Hall and portrayed Emily in "Our Town" which led her to pursue speech, drama and music in college. At Henderson she performed in numerous plays and musicals where many people enjoyed her dramatic talents and her beautiful voice. One of her all-time loves was her participation in the MIL Singers (Meaning in Life Singers) while in college. She was a vocalist in this group which performed at college campuses, churches and even Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, demonstrating the love of Christ thru a musical story. Lifetime friendships were formed within this group and Becky loved each of them. Becky's life will be forever cherished by her sons, Jeremiah Cunningham (Jen), and Zachary Cunningham (Amy) from Louisville, Ky., and brothers Robert Casteel (Frances), Donald Casteel (Mary Lynn), Allen Casteel (Melanie). She is also loved by numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Park Funeral Home at 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tenn., is handling her arrangements. There will be a graveside service for family and friends 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 28, preceded by meeting in the Gathering room at 10:30 a.m. The family requests any memorial donations in Becky's honor be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/donate.