Lillie Cunningham

BIOGRAPHY

Lillie Cunningham was born in Lauderdale County, Alabama, on 26 September 1914. Cunningham grew up on a farm and regularly attended church. She had four siblings, all of whom she outlived. Through them, the extended family grew to include over 100 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

At 110, she recalled that she began working from an early age—“ever since I was able to put a flour sack around my neck and pick cotton, chop cotton.” Alongside her farm work, she also attended school, Sunday school, and church.

At the age of 102, Cunningham underwent hip surgery and was nearly walking on her own just a week later. A lifelong member of Rock Primitive Baptist Church in Florence, she continued attending services every Sunday well into her centenarian years, and she read her Bible faithfully every morning and night. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching game shows and working on crossword puzzles.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “At 110 years old, an Alabama woman credits one thing for her long life: faith” – NPR, 4 October 2024

GALLERY

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