Janice Marie Cunningham

Janice Marie Cunningham, born on August 29, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on December 26, 2024, at her home in Garner, North Carolina. She was 70 years old.

Janice was a woman of many talents and roles, devoting her life to family, service, and community. She spent 13 years in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic, proudly serving her country before leaving to ensure that her children received a well-rounded education. Over the years, she held various roles, including entrepreneur, homemaker, artist, teacher, construction worker and supervisor, and above all, a loving mother, grandmother, and wife.

Janice was a very strong person, having survived cancer for 26 years and battling the side effects with resilience and grace. Her strength and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Phil Cunningham of Garner, North Carolina; her mother, Helen Werne of Evansville, Indiana; her sister, Diane Smith of Evansville, Indiana; her daughter, Elizabeth Watson of Angier, North Carolina; her son, Daniel Owen of Clayton, North Carolina; and her five grandchildren, Kyler Watson, Makayla Watson, Andrew Owen, Alayna Owen, and Evelyn Owen. She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Rose.

A visitation will be held on January 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road in Garner, with the service immediately following. Internment will take place at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that children hug their mothers and that mothers hug their children. Spend time together.

Janice's legacy will live on through the love she shared with her family and the lessons she imparted through her life's example of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love.