Birth date: Aug 23, 1945 Death date: May 7, 2015
Deborah Cunningham passed away on May 7, 2015. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m., Friday, May 15 at MATA Central Station, 545 S. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103. Services at Memorial Park Cemetery will be held at a later date Read Obituary
Memphis has lost a true hero! She was a champion for those with disabilities. Seemingly fragile, she was as tenacious as a bulldog — fighting for justice, and for setting things right. She could be professionally tough, but was filled with love and compassion. Deborah, you are loved, and will be well and truly remembered. The world is now a lesser place, with your passing. God bless you.
Goodbye Deborah. I will always love and remember you. David
STEP, Inc. (Support & Training for Exceptional Parents) purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Deborah Cunningham.
Deborah had such gentleness and kindness in her heart that she shared with anyone who came to her door. I have known of her thru MCIL work for over 20 years. In my dealings with her, she exhibited the qualities of many of our great leaders of the world, by doing the work in a manner so quietly and diligently, when she suffered herself. Our world is definitely a more beautiful and caring place because she was here! She was a spitfire to be reckoned with for many years, to act on behalf of people with disabilities. She will be missed dearly.
Deborah was a champion and a role model to individuals with disabilities and the citizens of Memphis, TN. I recall numerous times seeing her out and about in Memphis. She was unstoppable!. She should go down in Memphis history as one our true heroes. She will not be forgotten.
Memphis has lost a true hero. Deborah was perhaps the most courageous person I know. I knew her as an unfailing advocate for individuals with disabilities. When my office began working with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, Deborah was the source of the referral which became our first case. Thereafter, Deborah and the Center for Independent Living worked with me on a number of other cases. I learned a great deal from Deborah and am a better person for it. I will miss her.Gary Vanasek
