A voice that brought music and joy to many corners of Richmond fell silent on Christmas Day as Marjorie Ann Cunningham died at age 81. Cunningham’s talent and spirit resonated deeply with those who experienced her music.

Born April 7, 1943, in Richmond to Darcy Cox Gardner and William Gardner Jr., Cunningham grew up in a home that nurtured her love of music. Her father sang with gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her uncle played with jazz musician Lionel Hampton and her brother, Stu Gardner, is a producer who composed music for film and television.

Cunningham began honing her vocal talents at the age of 7, performing in church choirs, and as a soloist while attending Maggie Walker High School. Her talents earned her numerous accolades in talent shows and citywide events.

At 17, she joined the Jewel Gospel Singers as a soprano, beginning a decades-long association with the group.

As part of the Jewel Gospel Singers, Cunningham toured the East Coast, recorded three albums on the Savoy label and several singles. She earned recognition for the song, “Is Your All on the Altar,” which featured her powerful vocals. Despite the group retiring several times over the years, the Jewel Gospel Singers have regularly reunited, and Cunningham could always be trusted to be there, ready to contribute.

 The Jewel Gospel Singers circa 1960s: Henrietta Doswell Gattison, Ellen Jefferson, Vivian Owens, Ann Cunningham, Ernestine Jackson and Doris Ann Allen.
 Photo courtesy Henrietta Doswell Gattison  

“She just sang all over since then,” said group co-founder Ellen Jefferson. “She was always available for rehearsals and programs.”

In addition to her work with the Jewel Gospel Singers, Cunningham performed with the gospel group, Gospel 440, produced by her brother Stu, alongside Almeta Ingram, Tracy Montgomery and others. Her vocals contributed to some of her brother’s film and television projects.

“I knew where the best singer was — in my house,” Gardner said. “Why look anywhere else?”

Cunningham also was a consistent presence in Richmond’s music community. She sang regularly in area churches, served as a soloist for funerals at Scott’s Funeral Home and mentored aspiring singers.

In her final years, Cunningham faced personal challenges, including living with cancer, yet she continued to be a warm and welcoming presence.

Her family and collaborators remember her for the joy and encouragement she brought to their lives.

“I was always trying to keep her happy, because she kept me happy,” Gardner said, reflecting on her influence.

Cunningham was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Major G. Cunningham, her parents, brothers Earl and William and her sister, Barbara. She is survived by her brother, sister-in-law Gloria Gardner, son Kevin, granddaughters Kierra, Kiana, Kyndra, and Katrina, seven great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.

A wake will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Scott’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, at Trinity Baptist Church.