Celeste Theola Mae Cunningham, born to Clarence and Lena Brown on September 27, 1928, in Harlem, New York, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on November 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Mom Celeste now rejoins her beloved husband, Alfred Donald “A.D.” Cunningham, affectionately called Pop Pop, and their cherished son, Konrad Cunningham, in heaven.

Celeste and A.D. first met in 1949 at Aunt Ivona’s house in West Harlem the start of a lifelong love story that would stand the test of time. They married on September 16, 1950, and together built a life filled with laughter, faith, and family. Though A.D. passed on July 16, 1995, their love remained steadfast.

After A.D.’s passing, Celeste moved to Virginia Beach in the late 90s, where she continued to live a full and joyful life surrounded by her family and faith community.

Celeste was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory her step-daughter Joyce Gerren (Nick); her grandchildren Angela Cunningham White (Richard), Kyle Cunningham, Damien Cunningham (Taisheena), Scriven King (Shanna), Tremayne Matthews (Vanessa) and LauriDawn Cunningham (Eric Wilson); her great-grandchildren Christopher Cunningham, Aniyah Alix (Kevin II) Brandie Cunningham, Richard White III, Kyle Cunningham Jr. (Summer), Kelsey White, Tremayne Matthews Jr., Alayjah Cunningham, Janiah McQueen, Amiah Cunningham, Logan King, Christian Matthews, Brianna King, Samuel Wilson, and Skylar Wilson; and her great-great-grandchildren Olivia, Kevin III, Remington, King, Kannon, and Ayanna. She is also survived by her nieces Gail and Kim Brown; her nephews Clarence and Bernard Brown; and her great-nephew Clarence IIII.

A strong Christian woman, Celeste was deeply devoted to God and her church community, serving with joy and compassion throughout her life. She was a proud and faithful member of The Historic First Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist congregation in Norfolk, Virginia. There, she served as a musician for the Cherub Choir and the 8 a.m. Worship Service Praise Team. Celeste was also an active member of the Trustee Board, Finance Committee, Singles Ministry, and Women’s Ministry. She regularly attended Bible study and took part in the drama ministry R.A.G.T.A.G.G (Reaching Almighty God to a Greater Good), where she led and guided young people in bringing their faith to life through performance and special events. Always willing to serve, Celeste joyfully offered her time and talents wherever the church needed her. Her church family remembers her unwavering kindness, thoughtful spirit, and sincere care for others. Her faith was her foundation, and she embodied the true meaning of grace, patience, and strength. Prior to her time at First Baptist, Celeste also served as a lead musician for both the Senior and Youth Choirs at Fountain Spring Baptist Church in the Bronx, New York.

Celeste retired from the United Seamen’s Service after an accomplished career that reflected her diligence, intellect, and grace. She was well-traveled, having journeyed to many corners of the world, yet Harlem always remained close to her heart a true New York girl through and through.

In addition to her faith and family, Celeste was deeply committed to community service and social justice. She was a proud member of the New York Urban League Guild and a lifetime member of the NAACP. In 1998, she was honored by the Bronx NAACP Coalition with an award in appreciation of her many dedicated years of leadership, devotion, and commitment to the community and organization. Her legacy of compassion and advocacy continues to inspire all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Celeste cherished a tight-knit circle of sister-friends who shared decades of laughter, love, and sisterhood. Together they celebrated one another, offered support in hard times, and embodied the beauty of lifelong friendship.

Known for her impeccable style and a permanent smile, Celeste was a fashionista to her core. Everyone knew that if Celeste Cunningham was attending, she’d arrive with poise, grace, a look worthy of admiration, and a smile. Her elegance was more than what she wore — it was who she was.

Celeste’s life was a reflection of grace, wisdom, and compassion. Her laughter, faith, and generosity left a lasting mark on her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We do not take her 97 years for granted what a blessing it has been to love and be loved by her for so long. To know Celeste was to be touched by her light. Though we will miss her deeply, her spirit lives on in every life she touched.

Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord. – Matthew 25:21