Carrie Lavon Cunningham McGinnis

Carrie Lavon Cunningham McGinnis, born March 27, 1938, in Rome, Missouri, to proud parents James Clifford Cunningham and Ruby Carrie Fulton Cunningham, Lavon went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 16, 2025. This was a journey she had faithfully prepared for her entire life. She faced her battle with cancer on her own terms—with grace, dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and endless faith. A true class act.

Lavon graduated from Ava High School, Class of 1955, and soon after moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she made her lifelong home. Though she enjoyed traveling, Springfield was always where her heart belonged. It was there she met and married A.J. McGinnis, and together they welcomed three children.

A devoted member of High Street Baptist Church, Lavon found joy and fellowship through the Grandmother’s Club. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Her hobbies included scrapbooking and creating beautiful handmade cards and albums, which she lovingly shared with others.

Lavon’s career began at Kraft Foods as a young teenager. Later, she worked as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell, which later became AT&T. Her work took her to St. Louis for a time, but she ultimately returned to Springfield. Lavon retired from AT&T with more than 25 years of perfect attendance, serving in management and as President of her local chapter of the Communication Workers of America.

Later in life, Lavon was blessed with the love of her life, Bill Mowell. Together they shared six beautiful, love-filled years before his passing in March 2025.

Lavon is survived by her children: Regina Hopkins, Melissa Barnes, and Jeff (Tammy) McGinnis, all of Springfield, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters Janice Palmer of Mulvane, Kansas, and Deb Cunningham of Springfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, A.J. McGinnis; her parents, Ruby and Clifford Cunningham; grandparents, Joe and Gertie Cunningham, and Ben and Gertie Fulton; brothers Paul Cunningham of Richardson, Texas, and Ray Cunningham of Springfield; and her beloved Bill.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at High Street Baptist Church, 900 North Eastgate Avenue, Springfield, Missouri. In honor of Lavon's favorite color, the family is requesting that those in attendance wear the color red.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Walnut Grove Historic Church and Cemetery or to cancer research.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.