With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Ms. Lizzie "Lila" Cunningham-Earvin, who departed this life on April 22, 2026, at the blessed age of 97.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648 W. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140. A viewing will take place from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at the church prior to the service.

A second viewing will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Pressley Funeral Home, 812 Tomlinson Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Interment will follow at Kennedyville United Methodist Church Cemetery, Nesmith, South Carolina.

With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Ms. Lizzie "Lila" Cunningham-Earvin, who departed this life on April 22, 2026, at the blessed age of 97.

Lizzie affectionately called "Lila" was born on September 15, 1928, in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Louise and David Cunningham. She was the youngest girl of twelve children, all of whom preceded her in death. Her siblings included her cherished twin, Frank Cunningham; brothers; Lawrence, Albert, Petrow, George and sisters; Lillie, Matilda, Thelma, Sarah, Albertine and Rosa. Lila attended the Marion public school system.

In 1954, Lila journeyed to Philadelphia, where she began building a life marked by hard work, independence, and unwavering faith. She was faithfully employed for many years at the Quartermaster's Coat Factory and later at Animated Corporation, from which she retired with pride. Even in retirement, Lila's servant's heart never rested— she continued caring for others as a devoted caregiver, worked at Wawa, enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, and shared her gifts through housekeeping and acts of quiet generosity.

Faith was the foundation upon which Lila built her life. On May 6, 1956, she joined Daniel Temple Baptist Church, later known as Bibleway Fellowship Church, where her voice could be heard joyfully lifted in the choir. She later joined Morris Brown Chapel. It was during this season that she met and married the love of her life, the late Edward Earvin (1974). In later years, she became a faithful member of Triumph Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James S. Hall, with whom she shared root in Marion, South Carolina. Lila faithfully served diligently as an usher and remained active until her health declined.

Lila was known not only for her energetic spirit, her faithfulness and her quiet strength, but also for her joyful spirit. She was a wonderful dancer in her younger years, and later in life, she gracefully set that aside to "dance for the Lord," dedicating her gifts fully to her faith.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Richard (Dorothy, Frankie McKnight, Pearl Cunningham-Adams, Betty Frederick, Mary John) Razor, Johnny Williams, Larry (Christine) Cunningham of New Jersey, Jesse Cunningham, and Pansey Cunningham of South Carolina, as well as others in Philadelphia, Texas, South Carolina, and New Jersey. She also leaves behind dear cousins Ruth McGill and Bessie Pressley; sister-in-law Virginia Cunningham of New York along with extended family, friends, church members, and neighbors who valued her presence and wisdom.

Lizzie peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Her life stands as a beautiful testament to resilience, faith, service and deep love for God and family. Though she has been called home, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her.

Lila has finished her course and kept the faith. Now, she rests in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully, where there is no more sorrow, only everlasting peace. Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice in the promise that love does not end—it transforms, it carries, and it reunites. One day, we will meet again.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Final rites entrusted to TL Hutton Family & Friends Funeral Services, LLC of Burlington, New Jersey and Pressley Funeral Home, LLC.