Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham Obituary in Madison at Perry-Spencer Madison

Obituary For Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham

Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham, 57, of Woodbridge, VA, passed Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Monument of Faith Church, 319 Henry Street, Eden, NC 27288. The Celebration of life will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Apostle Tony Brazelton and Pastor Cynthia Brazelton, officiating. Interment will be held in the Field of Honors at Lakeview Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, 3600 N. O'Henry Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27405.Livestream will be available through Facebook - http// www.Facebook.com / perryspencerfuneralhome? mine tie = LQQJ4d

Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham was born October 2, 1965, in Eden, North Carolina and Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham was born October 2, 1965, in Eden, North Carolina and made her transition from the temporal to the eternal on May 16, 2023. April was well loved but God loved her more. April will forever be remembered as "God's Songbird" singing every moment there was an opportunity. She was a woman after God's heart and pursued him with a passion and fervor that was unmatched. She was a natural leader wherever she went and served as the Administrator of Marketing and Promotions supporting several entities in her church which included the bookstore, Leader in the Healing Center, a vessel with Chosen Treasures where mentees were trained in outreach ministry. April was honored to serve alongside her colleagues and was looking forward to her first trip to Nigeria in August to use her skills. Alas, April's true calling was singing love songs in exhortation to God as Worship Leader on the Praise Team at Victory Christian Ministries International, Woodbridge.

April was educated in the Rockingham County Public School system and graduated from John Motley Morehead High School in 1983. April earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and Communications at North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!), a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Troy State University, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations (joint degree) at George Washington University and Studied Strategic Communications at Purdue University and the University of Oklahoma. April was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc...."Bout Business." April was employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a Public Relations Specialist and an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University. Highlights of April’s career in the private sector include State Farm Agent and Owner and Mary Kay Sales Representative earning a Red Jacket as she leveled up to Sales Director. With each endeavor, God blessed April's hands and she was ever so humble.

April enlisted in the United States Army in and in 1993 and went on to serve as an officer in the United States Air Force until her retirement in 2013 with 24 years of active duty. During April's service to her country, her awards and decorations included Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, , Army Achievement Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Sharpshooter Badge M-16mRifle, National Defense Service Media with 1 Star, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Global War Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship (Rifle).and Army Training Ribbon.

Highlights of April’s military career included Media Operations Branch Chief at National Guard Bureau of the United States of America, Media Relations Division Public Affairs Specialist in the U.S. Army, Training and Program Director at Defense Media Activity, Press Desk Officer/Official DoD Spokesperson at U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Northern Command.

April is survived by her son Benjamin Malik Cunningham of Woodbridge, VA, whom she loved with all her being, friend Gregory Redding, of Fort Washington, MD, Mother, Lillie Ruth Hairston, Father Ronald Hairston, both of Eden, NC, Sisters Tracy Dillard Cousins of Thomasville, NC, Kena Dillard of Eden, NC, Penny Dillard Simmons (Zallo) of High Point, NC, Lisa Grey, Lorrie Stokes, Sandra Hairston and Karen Wotten all of Martinsville, VA, Brothers Dennis Dillard of Reidsville, NC, Lewis Waller (Tammy) of Martinsville, VA, and Bruce Waller (Blanche) of Danville, VA, nieces Paisley Simmons, Peighton Simmons, Tyna Dillard, Calyn Dillard, twins Kristin and Olivia Dillard and nephews Justin Dillard, Anthony Reaves, Joshua Dillard and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and close friends.

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Tara Furges Houston sent Solace Ivy Planter for Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham - May 26, 2023

Prayers of comfort to Benjamin and Family.
Love, The Houston's (Michael, Tara, and Courtenay)

Send flowers for Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham

Renee Perrier sent Red and White Floor Basket for Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham - May 26, 2023

April your bright light and generous heart will be missed. Please know that Ben will always be a part of our family.
Love always Renee, Pete , PJ and Lauryn Perrier

Stars of Life Standing Spray was sent for Lieutenant Colonel Retired, April Dillard Cunningham - May 24, 2023

Sleep well April Cunningham, we will truly miss you. (The White House Black Market Store at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, Virginia). You no longer need our clothes, you have a robe to wear now. GOD Bless!

Love and miss you sister ❤️Your sister Tracy Cousins

Thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the life of April.So many years have passed in our life.May God provide every need during this time of bereavement. Love always. The Meadows Family. Sam,Lynn,Karo and Everett.

Our condolences to Ben and the family of our dear sister and friend April. I hear April's voice in my thoughts and I know she is praising our Father in heaven. April will definitely be missed. With fond memories, Freddie and Andrea Bizzell.

To Ben & the Cunningham Family, Our prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate the wonderful life & legacy of April. Although she left a void in our hearts, Heaven has gained a beautiful praise & prayer warrior. She will be missed. Crawford & Dyanne Brown

We are sending our most sincerely condolences to Benjamin, and all of April's family. Words cannot express the loss that we feel and know it's no comparison to the loss that you all feel. Her precious memories will forever reign in our hearts and thoughts. April was not ordinary but truly extraordinary in all that she did. Missing her is an understatement. We pray God's continual strength, comfort and peace as only He can provide. Love, the Kyle's, Tim, Carolyn and Princess

Sorry for your loss Sister Tracy, we send our prayers to you and your family.
Sister Wendy, Brother Ronnie and Brother Chris

My deepest condolences to Ben and family. My prayers love and support to the family

Prayers to the family, my deepest condolences. George Waller

Prayers to the family, my deepest condolences!

Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Cunningham and Dillard family during this time of loss. My the memories you have give strength and comfort to you in th days to come.

Praying for you Ben and your family for comfort, peace, strength. April's beautiful spirit radiated and I will miss her. Melvene

I am reminded of the song." Hold To God's Unchanging Hand ", when we do that, peace and strength comes and brings comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with all the immediate family members of April. I shall treasure the time that God allowed our paths to cross and I will always remember your beautiful smile. Denise Smith- Eden,NC

Prayers to the family, my deepest condolences, sorry for ur loss, Jackie & Corey Gilbert

My deepest condolences to April's family. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you in this trying time. - Denver Applehans, FEMA co-worker

To Ben and the family, May the God of all Comfort and Peace surround you and carry you through each day as you are being saturated in His Love. April is truly missed. We always greeted one another with smile and hug. An anointed woman of God that exemplified His love. April was a worshipper and she rendered back to God the gift that was given her. A voice to minister in songs. I think about when we would talk, I would remind her of her book. Although she didn't get to write it, I feel as though I have already read chapters of it. She will truly be missed. Evelyn Rivera

To the family, the members of Hope Fellowship Church express our deepest condolences to you. We pray that you take consolation in knowing that our God "shall wipe away all tears from our eyes..." Bishop Kevin R. Richardson (SMSgt, Ret) Hope Fellowship Church, Suitland, MD

My condolences to the family. April was one of my top cadets at NC A&T State University. I was truly saddened and shocked to hear of her passing. When we last talked in January she was telling me of her plans to move back to North Carolina after Ben graduated. She was a truly beautiful person who was always positive. Rest in peace April. You will be missed!

I am so sorry for your loss Ben, and extended family and friends. April effortlessly filled a room with her heart and soul...she was beautiful, from the inside out. She sang music like a true angel of God! I worked with April at NGB. She was an instant friend. We had a lot in common – both Army and Air Force public affairs officers, 0-5 Lieutenant Colonels; both single parents reinventing ourselves any way we could to stay afloat. She inspired me with her grace and drive, and her pure faith in God. May she Rest In Peace, eternally. - MLH

My most sincere condolences to the family. Continued prayers for strength and healing. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely Anna Scales Lawson

RIP April because we who knew and loved you know that you are with God and singing in that heavenly choir and that God's got Ben and your family in His care. Joan, Yvonne and the Scales gang

My condolences to Benjamin and the rest of the family!! We developed a friendship at Fort Belvoir as roommates during our time in the Army. I will forever cherish the memories we shared throughout the years.
Charlette Thomas

So sorry for your loss! April will be missed. Praying for God's comfort and peace for your family! Susan Black

Sending my condolences to April's mom, sisters,brother,son and her church family. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you! My spirit is rejoicing that April is in the presence of the All Mighty God we serve but my mind has not come to grips and my heart is broken. We grew up together and shared so many awesome times together. Life happened and we drifted apart. I will be forever grateful that God brought us back together again. We didn't know that as we remember the good old times, got caught up on the present that it would be the last time we would sit in each other's company.To see and feel the anointing that God placed on her will always be in my heart. April Rest In His Power, you can now praise and rejoice in His presence forever!!

Sending prayers for God's comfort and peace. April was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Sincerely Teresa L. Booth

I am so sorry for your loss we went to school together. She was a sweet, kind and thoughtful young lady. She will be missed greatly.

Sending my deepest heartfelt sympathies to the family on behalf of myself and my family! In addition; April was my childhood friend, neighbor and high school classmate. This year marks our 40th reunion anniversary. As the reunion committee chair I can say many shared their sympathies as we looked forward to reuniting with her again! We are saddened for her loss. On behalf of The Morehead High School, Class of 1983 I send condolences to her church family, friends and family 💐! I personally send my love and prayers to her sisters, her mother and son! May the Lord keep you and memories and life time spent with April keep you and comfort you all the days of your life. God Bless, Twanda Scales (Martha Lou and Fred Scales family) 💐

Condolences and prayers to the Cunningham family.

Sending prayers for the family. April was a beautiful soul ❤️.
Minister Felicia Lucas and family.

Remembering the family in our prayers. The Hall family

Remembering the family in our prayers

We will truly miss April. She was such a lovely person to be around. Phyllis White.

The family have my Condolences and prayers

What a wonderful voice! Now singing in the heavenly choir! Our NC ties! May you rest easy!

I'm going to miss you auntie .. love Calyn & braylen

Our prayers, condolence, love and support for the family. With a beautil life on earth she now holds the highest and most important degree as she now rests with God. Family keep your hands in God's hands, your eyes on him. God will give you comfort, peace, love and he will fill the void you' re experiencing that cannot come from anyone. God is available twenty hours seven days weekly. Rejoice that he has called another one of his children home. To God be the Glory. Prayers and love from the Ollie Scales, and Frazier family