Anna Vernice Cunningham

Anna Vernice Cunningham
January 1, 1921 – June 12, 2025

Anna Vernice Cunningham, a devoted social worker, beloved aunt, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 104 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, Anna confessed her hope in Christ as a child and became a devout Catholic as an adult. She was a member of St. Mary of Mercy Church, Divine Mercy Parish, where she was the Altar Cloth Seamstress for many years. The Diocese of Pittsburgh recognized her good works at the Manifesting the Kingdom Awards Mass in 2013.

Anna pursued her passion for service and education with unwavering dedication. A graduate of Tougaloo College and Washington University in St. Louis, she built a distinguished 40-year career in psychiatric social work, mentoring countless professionals and advancing mental health care across several states.

Anna’s clinical and leadership spanned roles in Columbus, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, where she served as Director of Professional Services at Family and Children Services. She was a charter member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and contributed globally, including developing social work training materials in Beijing, China.

Family members, friends, and acquaintances will remember Anna as fiercely independent and exacting when holding high standards for herself and others. She loved beauty and fashion and was quick to acknowledge a well-put-together outfit or an exquisite piece of jewelry. She was a lover of the arts and a world traveler. Anna was also a gifted fiber artist whose work was publicly exhibited. Simultaneously, she was generous, funny, quick-witted, no-nonsense, and lived with curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

She is lovingly remembered by her great-nephew Jeffrey Boykin; nieces Patricia Woods (Gregory), Lolita Nero, Renata Nero, and Katherine Nero; and many extended family members, friends, and former colleagues.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saint Peter Church, Christ Our Savior Parish, 720 Arch St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Her legacy of service, strength, and grace will never be forgotten.