Jennifer Thurmond Cunningham

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Jennifer Thurmond Cunningham, 78, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 3, 2025 in Lexington, South Carolina in the presence of her loving and devoted daughter.  

She was the wife of the late Ronald O. Cunningham, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.  

Jenny, as she was called by all who knew her, was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 7, 1947 to J. Benjamin Thurmond and Hilda Davidson Thurmond. In her teenage years, her family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she attended and graduated from AC Flora High School.   

After attending the University of South Carolina, Jenny began her career in mortgage banking before going into community development in 1978, which included multi-year projects for areas in West Columbia, such as the Brookland Mill Village and Lake View School. She was proud of the successful projects, and was often invited to lunch as a token of appreciation from the residents.  

In 1983, she was appointed clerk/treasurer of the City of West Columbia. Under her direction, the city received its first Governmental Financial Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting Award.  

She was promoted to Deputy City Administrator in 1990, and then to City Administrator in 1998. As City Administrator, she was the recipient of the International City/County Management Association Award for programs for the disadvantaged for the West Columbia Community Empowerment Center. 

During her career at the city, she played a pivotal role in developing and beautifying West Columbia. She oversaw the building of the West Columbia Riverwalk, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state and country. She was instrumental in the purchase of property and development of the West Columbia City Hall, and was responsible for the expansion of the Lake Murray Water Plant. She also oversaw the acquisition of the property at State and Meeting Streets, which now boasts shopping, housing, restaurants and other venues, as well as the development of the FLOW property on Sunset Boulevard.  

During her thirty-seven year tenure with the City of West Columbia, she also served on the Board of Directors at Lexington Medical Center.  

In her life, Jenny loved to travel, play Bridge, and cheer on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Despite her hobbies, she was most passionate about spending time with those she loved most: her family and friends.  

Jenny is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Amber Miller and Son-in-Law, Brandon Miller, of West Columbia, SC; three dear grandsons, Jacob Miller, of San Francisco, CA, Garrison Burrows, of Lexington, SC, and Hampton Burrows, of West Columbia, SC. She also leaves behind two brothers, Jay Thurmond and Patrick Thurmond, both of Columbia, SC, as well as her beloved Aunt Sheila Cruse Johnston and Uncle Den Johnston, both of Paducah, KY. Jenny is also survived by two nephews, many cousins, and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents.  

Jenny was a cherished member of the community, her neighborhood, her Bridge club, and beyond. Until her last breath, she was a survivor, an advocate, and fighter for what she believed. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. As anyone can attest, her life was one well lived.  

A private memorial service was held for her on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in Lexington, South Carolina. Any memorials in Jenny’s name can be made to Camp Kemo or Carolina Sunshine.