Lavera S. Cunningham, age 78, of Mississippi, formerly of Indiana, passed away Tuesday, April 09, 2019.  She was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on August 31, 1940 to the late Alfred and Patsy (nee Wiley) Owen.  Lavera retired from Citizen's Federal.  She loved to play BINGO and Christmas was her favorite holiday all year long.  She will be remembered as a loving and proud mother, grandmother, and strong women of faith.

Lavera is survived by her children, Debbie Maples, James (Lisa) Cunningham, Teresa (Thomas) Wilson, Veda Moreno, Lourie (Rusty) Green, Thomas (Janice) Cunningham, Jr., Nancy (Kurt) Giese; grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, Adam, Erick, Jason, James, Jr., Thomas, Josh, Justin, Michael, Tyler, Jakub, Brooke, Megan, Andrew; 5 great grandchildren; brothers, George (Helen) Owen, John (Lucy) Owen, David (Ruby) Owen; and sisters, Margaret Smith, Shirley Mayberry, Judy Hatley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Cunningham, Sr.; brothers, Glendell, Wendell, and Tommy Owen; and sisters, Velma (Paul) Sittig, Frances (James) Fletcher, Patsy Owen.

A funeral service for Lavera will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 10:00 am with Brother Jerry Martin officiating at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd. Hobart, IN 46342.  She will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.  Friends may gather with the family just prior to the service on Saturday from 9-10 am at the funeral home.  For more information, please call 219-942-2109.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at Reesfuneralhomes.com.