Bonita Hammonds Cunningham, age 92, was called home by her Heavenly Father on March 25, 2022, surrounded by her family and the loving staff of Hopedale Cottage in Ozark, Missouri. Bonita was born on April 13, 1929 to the late Enoch and Bernice Buckelew Hammonds and lived most of her life in Malvern. Bonita (also known as Bonnie or Bunny), was a war bride who eloped on February 5, 1945 with her husband, John M. Cunningham, also born and raised near Malvern. That risky decision led to a happy marriage of nearly 60 years. Bonita and John travelled widely and were very involved in many local and national organizations, in which each often had a leadership role. They were longtime members of Third Baptist Church, where her father was the song director during her childhood. Bonita taught Sunday School, sang in a trio, and served in many ways at Third Baptist, and after John's death, at First Baptist in Malvern. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2004. During their nearly 60 year marriage, they raised four children together, and she still found time to assist her husband in his longterm affiliation with State Farm Insurance. Bonita was a famous cook and hostess, an excellent seamstress, gardener, an avid reader, and a sought-after speaker.

She was also preceded in death by siblings Velva Rhea Hammonds, Sylvia Hammonds Wright, and Delton Hammonds.

She is survived by her children, Brenda Otwell and her husband, Larry, of Hot Springs, Debby Stumbaugh and her husband, Ron, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, John Cunningham and his wife, Toni, of Springfield, Missouri, and Julie White and her husband, Mike, of Ozark, Missouri; by 12 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren; plus many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at J. A. Funk Funeral Home will be on Thursday morning, March 31, 2022, from ten to eleven-thirty, with graveside services following at 12 noon at Big Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons.

Bonita's family greatly appreciates her neighbor, Jack Wiley, and the competent and caring staff at Hopedale Cottage and Terrace Hospice in Ozark, Missouri.