Sharol Shari Jean Verick

Sharol “Shari” Jean Cunningham, a resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She was born June 21, 1947 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Frank & Georgia (stepmother) Viereck of Hartford, South Dakota, and Craig (stepfather) & Dorothy (mother) Overfield of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Shari grew up and went to school in Sioux Falls. While attending high school she had the opportunity to pursue her associate’s degree for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Upon graduating from both she enlisted in the Army as an LPN where she was later stationed and where she met her husband William “Billy” Wayne Cunningham in El Paso, Texas. They were married on September 21, 1969 and moved back to Prairie Grove after being discharged from duty with the Army.

She was preceded in death by all parents, husband Billy, and a sister Lehnna Larson, and numerous other family.

Shari attended church with husband Billy at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Prairie Grove until it closed. She retired from nursing and working at Washington Regional Medical Center of Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she worked for 42 years. After retiring she enjoyed watching grandkids and great grandkids while also caring for her husband of 56 years. She loved having her grandchildren and great grandchildren around as much as possible.

Shari is survived by two children: son Duane Cunningham of Prairie Grove, and daughter Amanda Waters with husband Shawn Waters of Prairie Grove. Nine grandchildren: Austin Cunningham (wife Sydney) of Prairie Grove; Cheyenne Caldwell & husband Ross Winter of Watts, OK; Charles Waters (wife Paige) of Tahlequah, OK; Lee Waters (wife Kylee) of Prairie Grove; Sarah Allen & husband Cooper of Prairie Grove; Megan & Andrew Freeman of Conway, AR; Paul D. Caldwell of Balko, OK; Sierra Caldwell of Balko, OK; Eva Waters of Keys, OK.

Five great grandchildren: Rosslyn, Elsie, and Rosemary Winter; Paxton and Bowen Allen.

Sister Patty Crider with husband Ron; sister Camie with husband Jeff Merry; brother Darrell Viereck; brother Alan Viereck and wife Jan; and a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Honorary pallbearers are: Andy Crider, Joey Larson, Travis Larson, Bryce Viereck, Tom Viereck, Dan Viereck, Austin Cunningham, C.J. Waters, Lee Waters, and Paul D. Caldwell