Ermalene C. Cunningham, 75, of Pembroke Pines, a native Floridian, passed away December 11, 2011. An educated woman and the first in her family to attend college, she graduated from Florida A & M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. For almost forty years, she pursued her passion for teaching music and 5th grade at Chester A. Moore, Pembroke Pines and Pines Lakes Elementary – including being chosen to participate in the initial desegregation initiative in Broward County. Further, Ermalene was an active member of, and participated in lectoring, the Women’s Club, and Bible Study at St. Mark Catholic Church. Additionally, at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center, she was instrumental in both the growth of the Jazzercise program for seniors, as well as the inspiration for The Miami Heat Golden Oldies. Predeceasing her in death was her husband Walter, mother Marvalene and brother Jarriod. Surviving is her devoted daughter Dina, grandson Shaun-Darius, and cousins Joseph, Vivian, and Lutrell Newkirk. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Saturday, December 17, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Cooper City, where visitation will be held from 9:30 until time of Mass. The family suggests memorial donations be sent to Southwest Focal Point in her memory. A special thanks to Kelly Deason, Ferrall Moore, Carol McKenna, Yvonne Saracinni, who cared for us during her illness.