Lora Cunningham

July 17, 1961 - February 15, 2021

Reverend Lora Cunningham, age 59, of Versailles, entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, February 15, 2021, at Arrowhead Senior Living in Osage Beach. She was born July 17, 1961, in Liberty, Missouri, a daughter of the late Frank Douglas and Georgia (Stephens) Mattenlee. She graduated from Liberty High School, class of 1979, and then attended William Jewell College. As a child she was active in the Girl Scouts and earned the highest rank of the time, First Class. She continued to be a lifelong scout and led her children’s troops in both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America, eventually joining the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Within these organizations she dedicated her time and effort to help further the programs’ outreach and community service efforts. Lora served as a Youth Minister at multiple United Methodist Churches and was involved with youth ministry at the district and state level. She maintained a passion for working with children throughout her life. Later as a full-time pastor, leading teenagers through confirmation continued to be one of her most honored and fulfilling roles. Lora attended the St. Paul School of Theology later in life and was currently serving as the Pastor of Versailles and Glensted United Methodist Churches, where she will be truly missed. She was instrumental in establishing the JAM after school program for children. Prior to her assignment in Versailles, Lora served at Fredericktown UMC, Liberty-Pleasant Grove in Chillicothe, and Huffman Memorial in St. Joseph. Lora led her churches with her God centered heart and spirit filled messages. She also volunteered her time in Disaster Response through the United Methodist Committee on Relief and through mission work in Mozambique, Haiti, and various other callings within the United States. Lora was active in many other committees and organizations throughout her life, too numerous to mention. She had a servant heart and led with grace and dedication. Lora was a devoted mother and a loyal and loving friend. She enjoyed spending time on the lake and also taking annual trips to Alabama with her parents. Most of all, she loved her family and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her children, Nathaniel Mattenlee and wife Niki of Kansas City, Missouri, Abigail Lauritson and husband George of Camdenton, Missouri and Jessica Parker of Versailles, Missouri; her grandchildren, Lily, Skyler and Zori; sister, Beth Holder and husband Michael of Laurie, Missouri and many other relatives, friends and her church family. A celebration of Lora’s life will be held virtually via Zoom using the following link https://osageschools-org.zoom.us/j/97527320337 on March 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Donations in her honor can be made to Versailles & Glensted United Methodist Churches, 210 North Monroe, Versailles, Missouri 65084 Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.