Llona Devon Forney
Llona Devon Forney went home to be with the Lord on September 29, 2026. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 7, 1953, to the late Cecil and Hattie Cunningham. In 1954, the Cunningham family relocated to Akron, Ohio, where Llona was raised and later graduated from South High School in June 1971.
Llona continued her education at Riggs-Lamar Beauty College, where she studied cosmetology and learned the professional art of manicuring. Her dedication, determination, and strong work ethic were reflected throughout her career. She worked for AT&T (formerly Ohio Bell) as a Maintenance Administrator for 31 years before continuing her career with Allstate, where she worked for 10 years. Later, Llona served for many years in the Finance Department at Arlington Church of God.
Llona was a devoted member of Arlington Church of God, where she served faithfully in many ways. She was a member of the Chancel Choir, now known as the Mass Choir, and a member of the missions and on certain Sundays, she warmly greeted members and visitors at the entrance doors. Her welcoming spirit and beautiful smile made people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Llona was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Hattie Cunningham, and her brother, Eric Cunningham.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Anthony Forney. She is also survived by her siblings, Gabriella Haslam; Gavin Cunningham (Deborah) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Philip Cunningham (Cora) of Suwanee, Georgia; and Alvin Cunningham. She will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.
Llona will always be remembered for her excellent sense of fashion, her beautiful grace, her warm and loving spirit, and, most of all, her contagious smile. She had a way of bringing light into the lives of those around her, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Though she is no longer with us in body, the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
We shared so many good times at Ohio Bell! She was beautiful inside and out, Well Done my Friend!
Sincere condolences, love and prayers to Tony and entire Cunningham Family and loved ones. Llona will be missed…loved her.
LLona was a true sweetheart, from a fine family of South High pillars. LLona had a beautiful smile, a beautiful countenance and a beautiful spirit. I seem to recall that LLona and Gay were both majorettes. Gavin was eventually in the tuba section with us in the South High band. LLona, you are a shining star in our class, in our city and in our community! Blessings to the Cunningham family!
Donald N. Watson
1971 Class President
To the family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Keeping all of Llona’s family and friends lifted up in prayer. Gone but never forgotten. God Bless
On behalf of the Borders family, we are deeply saddened to learn of Llona’s passing. She was a bright light, and her smile will definitely be missed. May God comfort you during this most difficult time.
My sincerest and deepest sympathies to the family for losing someone so dear. But, you have not lost her, she has just made her final step in this journey before we have. Know that the life she lived spoke for her and she is waiting in the arms of God.
From our ‘Girl Trips’ to our dinners out to just hanging with each other laughing, sharing and having a good time, she will be missed! Oh the stories we can tell :).
We love Llona and our heart strings will be forever tugged. 😞
“The Girls”
To my true village -the friends and neighbors who lived on Edgewood Avenue Akron Ohio, during the 1960’s.I can still recall the softball games we played in the park until it was too dark to see the ball. Little did we know that fate and circumstances would fling some of us of across the earth and give us little time to reflect how happy and lucky we were to have had the opportunity to spend happy times together. My sincere Condolences to all the Cunningham and Forney families and Bless you one and all. -archie jennings [[email protected]]
I worked with Llona at Allstate many years ago. Llona was such a sweet and positive person. Just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. My deepest condolences to all family and friends.
My Condolences to the CUNNINGHAM FAMILY. Llona was a true “GEM” with a genuine sense of humor as I reflect back on the memories of time spent over the years in her presence.To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.
Sweet spirit, beautiful smile and servants heart. Rest my friend. Praying for Tony, family and friends💐❤️