Dr. Irma Aloyce Cunningham

Distinguished Scholar, Beloved Educator, and Unapologetically Original Spirit

Dr. Irma Aloyce Cunningham, born September 19, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Thurman and Linnie Ewing Thomas, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rising from humble beginnings, she built a distinguished academic career while living with a flair, humor, and individuality all her own.

A Scholar and Educator

Irma earned her undergraduate degree from LeMoyne-Owen College, her master’s degree from Indiana University, and her Ph.D. in sociolinguistics from the University of Michigan in just under three years. Her teaching career included the State University of New York, Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin, North Carolina A&T State University, and Winston-Salem State University, where she retired. At North Carolina A&T, she attained the rank of full professor. Her publication, A Syntactic Analysis of Sea Island Creole (Gullah), earned recognition from the American Dialect Society. She especially loved teaching, sharing knowledge, and helping young people reach their potential.

Fashion, Disco, and Daytime Drama

Voted Most Beautiful Girl and Homecoming Queen in high school, Irma never lost her eye for glamour. Animal prints, furs, elaborate hairstyles, long red-lacquered fingernails, and her vintage 1970s Cadillac were signature features of her flamboyant style. Ordinary simply would not do!

A devoted Motown and disco fan, she loved dancing and imitating John Travolta and Michael Jackson. Her favorite Saturday NightFever came with one stipulation: the PG version, please! She loved the music but preferred to leave the bad language behind.

Irma followed The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with scholarly dedication. Her enthusiasm led to a friendship with Lee Bell, a creator and producer associated with the shows, with whom she could spend hours discussing storylines and characters. Apparently, no plot twist escaped her attention!

Faith, Friendship, and Furry Companions

Behind Irma’s flamboyant exterior was a tenderhearted animal lover. Her beloved cat, Snow, and therapy guinea pigs, Starsky and Hutch, brought her great joy. She was also a devoted Christian and follower of the Unity Church, whose principles reflected her belief in the divine presence within each person and the possibilities within us all.

A Life to Celebrate

Irma leaves to cherish her memory her son, Anthony Cedric Cunningham; cousin, Martha Alice Braxton Williams; a host of Braxton and Williams cousins and grandcousins; lifelong friends, Dr. Adnee and Dr. Althea Bradford, Lorean Robinson Saunders, Bessie Lee Robinson Lewis, and Annie Reese Sesley; and caregivers, Dulcina Assumane and Maria De Sousa Lariss.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman and Linnie Ewing Thomas; former husband, Eugene Cunningham; grandmother, Martha Ewing, who raised her; aunt, Gertrude Ewing Braxton; and uncle, Freddie Ewing.

Irma leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, inspired students, cherished friendships, faith, and unforgettable memories. She proved that humble beginnings need not limit great achievements—and that life is best lived with courage, humor, and a little flair.

And if music is playing wherever she has gone, we can imagine Irma has already found the dance floor, fabulous outfit and signature red nails in place, ready to show everyone how it’s done.

She made an entrance, left an impression, and lived to her own unmistakable rhythm. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.

Services

A graveside service is scheduled for 12:30 pm Friday, October 30, 2026, at Rutherford Memorial Park in Concord. Pastor Candice Carter will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12:30 pm Friday at Lady’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to donate to Irma's medical fund. Those may be sent to her son, Anthony Cunningham, 3045 Winter Circle SW, Concord, NC 28025.