Linda “Joy” Cunningham

Linda “Joy” Cunningham, 76, of Midland, entered Heaven on Sunday, December 26, 2021 following a beautiful Christmas celebration with loved ones. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10am at Crestview Baptist Church with a private burial held at Resthaven Cemetery. Out of respect for the health and safety of all guests, the family ask that you please wear a mask and observe distancing guidelines during the visitation and the service.

Joy was born on August 3, 1945 to Monroe and Gladys Hackler in Hollis, OK.  Joy was raised in Childress Texas, where she completed High School and served as the only female senior class officer. Her motto was noted at that time as “A good disposition is more valuable than gold” and she carried that throughout her life. Joy graduated from Texas Tech and started a career in Elementary Education. After many years outside the classroom while raising her own children, she returned to Tech and received a certification in Library Science which she utilized in MISD while serving as a Librarian until her retirement. Joy was married to Ron Cunningham for 35 years until his passing in 2002, during which time they lived in Austin and Midland. Joy pursued many hobbies over the years, loved attending musical theater, and never passed on a chance to board a plane to visit somewhere new. Most of all, she enjoyed playing with her grandkids and reading to them.  She excelled as a cook, a welcoming host and was an example to her family and her students. She was an active volunteer in many community organizations and enjoyed fellowship at Crestview Baptist Church. Joy is recognized as a loyal friend and source of encouragement to those who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Lance Cunningham of Colleyville TX and spouse; daughter, Leigh Cunningham of Houston, TX and spouse; her sister, June Weems of Longview TX and spouse.  Finally, 4 grandchildren, ages 1-15 treasure her memory and love their “GJ” dearly, as do numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ron Cunningham; parents, Monroe and Gladys Hackler; brothers, James Ray and Jerry Hackler.

Honorary pallbearers will be nephews Jay Newman and Craig Newman and family friends Mark Bairrington, Brad Chatham, Chris Culpepper, Keefer Fields, Joe Wayland and David Willingham.

The family suggests memorials be donated to Ferst Readers or to a local library of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

Funeral service will be streamed online at https://youtube.com/channel/UC9V0kqVe8sGdPu5H7wnKFSQ