Lo Sharris Cunningham

Lo Sharris Cunningham, 78, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on March 17, 2023.
She was born in Lampasas, Texas, on May 8, 1944, to Daniel H. Murrah and Vesta Loraine (Upton) Murrah. Lo Sharris graduated from Belton High School in 1962. She studied art at Sul Ross State University before graduating from Mary Hardin Baylor College with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. During her years in Alpine, she met the love of her life, Thomas Cunningham. They married in 1966 in Belton, Texas. She taught elementary school art in Alpine, Austin and Pflugerville before returning to Bell County in 1971 to raise a family.

With a love for the beauty of God’s creation, she became a professional artist in 1980. Using acrylics, she captured photographic realism in her landscapes. Her paintings were displayed in galleries and collections throughout the United States, including the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and the Texas State Capitol. In 1985, Lo Sharris was one of 12 nominees for the State Artist of Texas. She was a member of Texas Women Western Artists and the “Texas Wild Bunch.” In addition to her work as an artist, Lo Sharris taught for 15 years in public schools before retiring in 2000.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Tom Cunningham, of Temple, Texas, and children, Todd Cunningham and wife Julie Cunningham, of Temple, Texas; Dr. Carin Appel and husband, Dr. Kevin Appel, of Amarillo, Texas; and Laurin Rainer and husband, Dr. Aaron Rainer, of Magnolia, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren, Will and Kyle Cunningham, Aleah and Reade Appel, and Adriel and Jace Rainer. She is survived by her brother, Charles Danell Murrah of Salado, Texas, and sisters, Iraann Murrah of Lorena, Texas, and Kendra Fischer of Lorena, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel H. Murrah and Vesta Loraine Murrah, and brother, Lowell Murrah.

Funeral services will be at 2 pm Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Western Hills Church of Christ in Temple, Texas, with ministers Scott Meyer and Scott Seela officiating. The family will be receiving visitors an hour prior to services at 1 pm. Lo Sharris will be laid to rest at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple, Texas. Dossman Funeral Home of Belton, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to her care team Stacy Wilhite, Aaron Green, Amy Ellis, Chaplain LTC Anthony Taylor, Sr., and the staff at Baylor Scott and White Hospice. A special thanks is extended to Brittney Vigil and Crystal Swanson for their love and dedication to the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cherokee Home for Children, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832.