Erma Marjorie Cunningham, 94, of Jefferson City, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 28, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. Erma was born August 18, 1921 to David Howard and Tillie Luella (Heeren) Albert in Freeport, Illinois. She grew up on a farm with her younger sister and brother and attended rural one-room schools through 8th grade, graduating from Freeport High School in 1938. Shortly after the United States entered World War II Erma, with her sister Miriam and cousin Betty Laughlin, ventured to work in Washington, DC where she met her first husband, Darrel D. Needles. They were married in Freeport, Illinois in 1943 and, after the war, made their home in Knoxville, Iowa where they raised three children. Darrel passed away in 1966.
In 1968 in Jefferson City, she married George C. Cunningham, a widower with two daughters. George passed away in October 2015. Beyond her roles as wife and mother, Erma had an active career in the health care sector and as a community volunteer. Erma was a dedicated member of her church serving as an elder, deacon, board member and on various committees. She was a 70-year member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Erma wrote proposals, sought funding, and organized two non-profit home health care agencies, one in Iowa and one in Missouri. She served as executive director of both agencies for a total of 15 years, retiring from the Missouri River Home Health Agency and Homemaker Home Health Services in 1986. She was an officer and board member of many organizations including Capitol Region Partners, Missouri Association for Social Welfare, AARP, Missouri Association of Home Health Agencies, and Missouri Council for Homemaker Services. In addition she was a founding member of the board of directors of Hospice of Jefferson City and the Missouri Foundation for Health. She received many awards in recognition and appreciation for her dedication and leadership service to home health care in Missouri.
Erma is survived by her daughters, Madelyn Needles (Phillip) Mayberry of Marshalltown, Iowa, Cynthia Needles (Lehman) Fletcher of Ames, Iowa, Brenda Cunningham (Larry) Williams of Gainesville, Florida, and Ginger Cunningham (David) Smith of Holts Summit, Missouri; her son, Richard D. Needles of Fort Smith, Arkansas; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her sister and brother-in-law, Miriam and Jack Schimpf of Arlington Heights, Illinois and her brother, H. G. (Bud) Albert of Freeport, Illinois. Her sister-in-law, Dorothy Albert of Freeport survives in addition to cousins, nieces and nephews and other extended family.
We will remember her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family and friends, but also colleagues and clients, many of whom over time also became friends. She worked very hard all her life and made a difference in the lives of many. We invite you to join us in a service of remembrance which will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m., at Community Christian Church, 409 Ellis Blvd, in Jefferson City.
Memorials may be directed to her church or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com