Obituary - Cleath Mae Reichard Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, Cleath Mae (Reichard), 89 of Henrico, died Sunday, November 18, 2024. Cleath was born in Bethlehem, PA in 1935 and moved to Richmond, VA with her mother and younger brother in 1939. Cleath is survived by her 4 children: Dane (Diane) Grosz, Diane Cunningham, Dennis (Hugh Douglass) Cunningham, Donald Cunningham, 1 brother: Dwight Myers, 4 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Cleath was predeceased by her mother, Emma (Reichard) Myers, her sister, Grace (Reichard) Heimbach, a brother, Albert “Sonny” Myers, and the love of her life and soulmate, Jerry E. Cunningham.

Cleath, who was named after her mother’s best friend, was known as “Little Cleath” and later “Sissy” by a select few friends and family. When her children grew up, they gave her her most well-known and long-lasting nickname - “Chuck”. Cleath was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest entered middle school in 1977 at which time she began a 28-year career with Henrico Doctor’s Hospital working the graveyard shift her entire career.

Cleath was a lover of dogs - both big and small, an avid sports fan – especially VCU Men’s Basketball and NASCAR, a camping enthusiast, amusement park lover, sun-worshipper, beach bunny, life-long learner, loyal fan and follower of the Washington REDSKINS, and the number one fan of both “Broadway” Joe Namath and “The Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt.

The family would like to thank VCU and VCU Hospice for their dedication and gentle care of Cleath during her hard-fought battle. The family would also like to welcome one and all to Cleath’s viewing at Nelsen’s Funeral Home (4650 Laburnum Ave) from 5 PM – 8 PM on Tuesday, November 26th and the graveside service at Washington Memorial Park (6217 Memorial Drive) at 11 AM on Wednesday, November 27th. Following interment, the family invites all in attendance to join them at the Celebration of Life Center adjacent to Nelsen’s Funeral Home on Laburnum Avenue to share refreshments and your favorite stories of their beloved “Chuck”.