Leafie Street Cunningham

Leafie Street Cunningham Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she met her husband, Larry, of 38 years while at the University of Chattanooga (now part of UT). He predeceased her in 1987. She had her own dance studio prior to beginning her educational career at Pond Springs, GA. They moved permanently to Pinellas County in 1954, where she taught Reading and Math at Mirror Lake Junior High School (site of the original St. Pete High School and now Condos). She assisted in their annual musical productions, produced by Lloyd Spangler. Later she convinced Prinicipal Mattie Morrison to let her start a performing �modern dance� group, the Mirrorettes. Leafie advanced to Administration, as Director of Elementary Placement of the Pinellas County School System, before relocating to Orlando, when husband Larry, Director of the Technical Education Center accepted a job as Dean of Career Programs at Valencia Community College. She had a lifelong love of literature and poetry, which she would recite at length from memory into her 80�s. Leafie Street Conner (nee) was named after her mother, another Lady with a peculiar sense of humore from whom she also inherited her Artistic talents. Essentially self-taught after a couple of courses from Dr. Sprague @ SPJC, she explored pastels and oils, and while she mostly painted for herself and family, did sell some of her landscapes. Adventuresome, she always wanted to see animals in Africa, but did travel extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco, Turkey, China, and the Holy Land. She liked Kingfishing, camping, and was happiest with her family around her, who knew her as Dede. She was raised a Methodist (Centenary Methodist, Chattanooga and Christ United, St. Pete). She was later baptized by immersion at Pine Hills Baptist Church and recommitted her life when her kids became believers. She had been a member of First Baptist Church, St. Pete. When she moved to Seminole she became a member of Starkey Road Baptist Church. She is survived by her son Larry & daughter-in-law, Mary, daughter, Tamara Muscarella, son-in-law, Tom, (5) grandchildren, Aimee Horstman, Katie Tacia, Adam Cunningham, Lauren Muscarella, & T.J. Muscarella and (6) great grandchildren, Mackenzie Horstman, Caleb Tacia, Conner Tacia, Cole Horstman, Eiley Tacia, and Veta Cunningham. She will be deeply missed by all who came in contact with her unconditional love and fun-loving spirit. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, June 3 from 6-8 P.M. and again on Monday, June 4 at Starkey Road Baptist Church 8800-Starkey Road from 10 A.M. until time of service at 11 A.M. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Family request donations to Suncoast Hospice Foundation 5771-Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Fl. 33760 in lieu of flowers.

Leafie Street Cunningham

May 31, 2012