Beech Tree News Network

Annina Jo “Red” Cunningham was born on March 13, 1965, and departed this earth to heaven on January 28, 2018. Her fiery nature and flame-colored hair were two hallmarks that shown brightly, but their loss will certainly dim the lives of her countless family and friends.

Nina was born in Springfield, Illinois, the adopted daughter of Onetta Virginia and Robert “Jerry” George Cunningham, of Quincy, Illinois. She had two younger, adopted brothers, John Lee and Robert George Cunningham. She graduated from Quincy High School, in 1983, and attended Gem City Beauty Academy, graduating in 1985. She loved softball, was a boxer, and took up shooting later in life.

Nina was blessed to be the mother of two daughters, Shanda and Shae, but she was the favorite hair stylist of countless souls who were blessed enough to find themselves in her salon chair. She loved Mountain Dew, fast cars, yellow labs, bonfires and everything her way…because it was THE way. You never dared her to do anything because she would do it and she was never afraid of a new adventure - in fact, she never let it show that she was afraid of anything.

At the time of her death, Nina worked as the Branch Manager of PeopleReady, in Owensboro and Hartford, Kentucky. She had more than 30 years as a successful salon manager and hair stylist, but Nina yearned for a new challenge and relished the opportunity to help quality employers and employees find one another. She had a unique flair for helping others be their best, no matter what she did.

Nina fought a fierce battle with cancer, but she was too sassy, stubborn and committed to beating it to let it rob her of her happiness and smile. She never met a stranger, she was a night owl AND an early-riser, but it was her “make it happen” spirit that everyone will remember. She always had fun, no matter who she was with or what she was doing, and she liked having fun with the top-down and the engines roaring.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brothers John Cunningham and his wife, Alicia, of Quincy, IL; and Rob Cunningham and his wife, Kimberly, of Dallas, Texas. Daughters, Shanda Lee Allen and Carl Allen of Jamestown, Missouri and Shae Nicole Grisham, of San Francisco, California. Stepsons Christopher Cain, of Columbia, MO; Eric Grisham, Ryan Grisham, and Zachary Grisham, all of Rolla, MO. “Nini’s” grandchildren Riley, Landen, Kylie and Grayson Allen, all of Jamestown, MO. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, located in Columbia, MO. A celebration of life service will start at 7:00 pm and all family and friends are invited to attend and share their favorite “Nina” memories. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make contributions to the family memorial account; “Nina Cain Grandchildren Education Fund”.

Arrangements are under the direction of MILLARD-REKUS Family Funeral Chapel, 902 East North Street, Eldon, MO. 65026. (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com