Emerson “Junie” was born Emerson Bernard Cunningham, II on January 11, 1960. He was the second of four children born to Helen and Emerson Cunningham. Although Emerson was born and raised in Chicago, IL, he later relocated to the northeast. He lived for many years in the Massachusetts area. He relocated once more , as one of his final wishes to move his family to Las Vegas, which he accomplished before transitioning.

Emerson attended South Shore High School in Chicago and graduated in 1978. He went on to attend The Peterson Electrical School where he honed his skills as an electrician. He worked for Woodlawn Gardens in Chicago before moving to Taunton, MA where he was employed with Continental Airlines which later became United Airlines. He left the airlines to work with the Mass Port Authority where he spent 20 years before retiring. Emerson came out of retirement in 2019 to work for the Venetian, part of the largest hotel group in Las Vegas.

Emerson met and married the love of his life Beatrice Jones on August 3, 1980. To this union, 4 children were born: Emerson III, Miyasha, Jeremiah and Nehemiah, and they later adopted their daughter Korimah. Emerson was a fun-loving family man, affectionately called “Papa Bear,” who enjoyed music, dancing and spending time with his family. He also loved to travel and travelled the world, taking his wife of 40 years on surprise vacations to exotic places, including Japan and Hawaii. He was also an excellent cook; his specialty was gumbo, and he recently started a cooking channel on YouTube. He was a free spirit, entire life always willing to try new things such as a candy store he once owned in Chicago. But his main focus was his family and he dedicated his entire life to taking care of his family and those he loved.

Emerson build long lasting friendships everyplace he worked and touched the lives of so many. Emerson’s life changed forever when he met his good friend and mentor Deacon George Johnson in Chicago at Temple Beth El. He would later move to the Northeast and met another powerful spiritual man named Elder Scott. Emerson and Elder Scott would talk for hours and Emerson later joined the Church of God and Saints in Christ where he became a deacon at the First Tabernacle Beth El in Providence, RI. He was guided by Elder Scott and Elder Simmons who provided support, encouragement, prayer and guidance to Emerson and his family throughout the years.

On July 27, 2020, God called his faithful servant home. Emerson was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Emerson Cunningham and his son Nehemiah. He leaves to cherish in everlasting memory his devoted wife, Beatrice Cunningham; his four children – Emerson III, Miyasha, Jeremiah and Korimah. One grandson – Miguel; one brother – Eric Cunningham (Pamela); two sisters – Moneka Cunningham and Octavia Parkman (Fred) and a host of nieces, nephews and countless friends.