L'Toya Delana Cunningham

Our dear L’Toya Delana Cunningham, affectionately known as Boo, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. She fell into eternal rest in Jonesboro, Georgia at the age of forty-one. L’Toya was born in Pulaski County, Missouri on September 3, 1982, to Shanlanda Faye (Cunningham) Hill and Charles Jackson. Her mother named her L’Toya because she was her “little toy.” At approximately 12 months old, L’Toya was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy although she only showed hints of the disability. She spent a lot of time at Shriners Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri where teams of doctors focused on procedures and necessary surgeries to increase her muscle flexibility and bone development. As a toddler she had casts on both legs, however this did not deter her from getting into trouble. Instead of crawling, she learned to scoot as a means to get around the house. She thought it was hilarious to get down from the couch and mysteriously secure candy (specifically lollipops) to eat. From the beginning, she was happy, giggly, fussy, mischievous, and headstrong. At a young age, you could find her outside with her favorite group of cousins. From rolling down the hill in her grandma’s front yard, to falling out of the wheelchair, howling with laughter! She did not want to be treated like she was disabled. In fact, she did not want to be around others who were disabled. She saw herself as a normal able-bodied person with limitations. She thrived on being in the heart of family gatherings and eating good food. She would belch and her mom would call her, “little piggy.” Of course, that would make her bubble with laughter. L’Toya spent most of her formative years living in Pulaski County, however she attended school in Phelps County, where she learned gross motor skills, speech therapy/ communication techniques, art, and music. After her mother met and married, Keith Hill Sr. (whom L’Toya knew and loved as her father) they moved to Columbus, Georgia where she attended school. As a teenager, L’Toya was just like any other young girl. She had her mood swings, but she could be found giggling or full on laughing most of the time. She even had a high school crush. Although she could not verbally speak and was confined to a wheelchair (which she hated), she felt just as normal as the rest of us…and wanted to be treated just the same. One of her favorite moments was attending prom. This was the first time she wore a tiara, ballgown, make-up and high heels. She truly had a blast! She was somewhat shy, silly, and sensitive. Her brothers made sure she had everything she needed, and she had them wrapped around her finger. She had no trouble ratting them out if they did anything they were not allowed to do, and this tickled her to no end. Sometime after receiving her high school diploma from Hardaway High School, L’Toya and her mother found themselves back in Missouri. She was happy seeing her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins more often. In fact, she enjoyed hearing her grandparents bicker with one another and she would laugh until her stomach cramped. During this time, she really enjoyed watching movies, NBA (Lakers and Warriors – Kobe and Steph were her favorites), NFL (she was a diehard Cowboys fan), listening to music, hanging out with family, and eating McDonalds. She could be very intense while watching something she was really into and would let you know if you were bothering her. She had a great memory, strong opinions, and an infectious laugh. She loved animals and they loved her. She was a true angel on earth, softening the hearts of those around her. She touched so many lives and inspired so many people with her happy and spirited demeanor. She knew God as she was saved as a young girl, and she believed in his power. Although she was faced with many obstacles, she continued to smile and bring happiness to each day. Our precious L’Toya will be terribly missed but her sweet soul will forever be remembered. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her siblings: Amiri Hill, Brian Hill, Keith Hill Jr.; her father, Keith Hill Sr.; her aunts: Beverly Greene, Vannessa Arnett, Sherry Moore, and Stephanie Holt; her uncles: Van Cunningham III and Clifton Cunningham; and several cherished cousins that she loved like brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her mother: Shanlanda Faye Hill; her brother Marquis Archey; her aunt Carolyn Cunningham and her grandparents Dora and Caleb Greene and Van Cunningham Jr. Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 10:30 a.m. in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

L'Toya Delana Cunningham

September 3, 1982 - September 12, 2023