Beverly Arlene Cunningham

Beverly Arlene Cunningham (89) passed away on 21 March 2023. She was born on 22 January 1934 to Robert “Joe” and Gertrude Hinkle in Oklahoma City, OK. Beverly was known best for her quick wit, kind heart, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

Beverly attended Lindsay High School and graduated in 1952 where she was Salutatorian and held the unique distinction of not missing one day in all 12 years. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Education. She later taught at Plaza Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma, and McLaughlin Youth Center in Anchorage, Alaska where she taught and mentored troubled youth.

Beverly married her soulmate, Jay Kent Cunningham, on 22 December 1953 at the First Christian Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Beverly and Jay enjoyed 59 years of marriage before Jay preceded her in death. Beverly enjoyed numerous hobbies, among them playing piano, sewing, creating porcelain dolls, and being an active member in the Smith Doll Club, where she met many of her dearest friends. Beverly was a member of the Disciples of Christ Church and traveled extensively, enjoying beautiful locations abroad such as Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Germany, and camping in her beloved Winnebago in Alaska with her family.

Beverly loved and looked up to her brother Bob “BJ” Hinkle and sisters-in-law Linda Hinkle and Wanda Street. Her grandchildren remember her for giving the “teacher look” when they acted up but also for being the “baddest Grandma on the block” if anyone dared pick on them. Even as adults, Beverly would pull her grandchildren on her lap to hug them or would simply hold their hands. Beverly’s great-grandchildren know her as Memaw, Gemaw, and Great-Grandma B and for being the best at giving pretend food orders while playing restaurant, picking out the neatest toys, and always having micro machines and dolls for playtime.

Beverly is survived by her daughter Randy Robinson Baggett; grandchildren Jay Ryan Robinson, Tara Lindsay Frederickson, Jace Kent Melton, and James Kalen Baggett; great-grandchildren Lita Ann Frederickson, Liam Melton, Jack Reid Robinson, and Lillian Reese Robinson; and brother Bob Hinkle; sisters-in-law Wanda Lu Street and Linda Hinkle. She is preceded in death by her husband Jay Kent Cunningham and daughter Robinette Desrochers.

A celebration of the blessing of Beverly’s life will be held on Saturday 25 March 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Irish Proverb