Debra Ann Cunningham-Reese

Debra Ann Cunningham-Reese, was born February 1, 1960 to Shirley Ann and Wallace Woods Sr. in Man, West Virginia. Debra returned home to the Lord on May 13, 2026, at the age of 66.

Debra was the oldest of five siblings. She loved the Lord, her family, friends, and helping and praying for others. She loved spending time at home with her family, reading scripture, listening to worship and Gospel music, various team activities such as bowling and softball, and her childhood summers in the hollers of West Virginia with her grandmother.

Debra attended Brookhaven High School in Columbus, Ohio where she was the first African American cheerleader in the school's history. Debra received her Associate of Applied Business Degree from Eastern Gateway Community College. She had an extensive and selfless career working for Job and Family Services before working for Columbus City Schools for 20 plus years as a school aid, treasurer, and account clerk before retiring this past December. She enjoyed her work, adored her coworkers, and always aspired to make a difference. Debra was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where she enjoyed the company of her church family, worshipping, doing outreach, being on committees, being a liturgist, participating in prayer groups, attending and teaching Sunday School, and being around her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Debra is preceded in death by her parents: Shirley Ann and Wallace Woods Sr., and her grandmother: Bessie Ann Walker.

Debra is survived by her Children: Christopher Cunningham, Destiny Cunningham, Michael Reese Jr.; and their Father: Michael Reese Sr.; Siblings: Wallace (Toni) Woods Jr., Anita (James) Williams, Karen (Kevin) Woods-Palicki, and Michael (Tamika) Woods Sr. and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Family and Friends.

Debra will be deeply missed, but will continue to live on in those who loved and cared about her. Her loving, nurturing, and warm spirit. Her giving nature, her prayers, her laughter and smile, her advice, and above all her love for the Lord.