Rena Hunter, better known as Mama Rena of Austin, Texas, passed away on Thursday January 30th at the age of 90 years old. She was born on August 24th, 1934, in Austin, Texas where she grew up with six other siblings.
Mama Rena graduated from Anderson High School and went on to go to cosmetology school.
She pursued her passion as a cosmetologist for many years. Her jovial spirit brought so much joy and laughter to her clientele, and Mama Rena made people beautiful. She was well known and very well respected.
Mama Rena was a devoted and faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She could be heard telling of her love for God, her church and her pastor.
In 1963, Rena married the love of her life Limuel Hunter, and in 1970 they were blessed with their only child together, a beautiful daughter, Tonya.
Mama Rena loved working outside in her garden where she grew all types of vegetables and fruits which she shared with family and friends. Recently she expressed being so blessed to share this love of gardening with her grandsons.
Mama Rena was preceded in death by her mother, Girtha Earls and Father, Essex Earls, Brothers, Essex Earls Jr., Eddie Earls and Vernon Earls.
Mama Rena was survived by her daughter Tonya Evon Fairley, son-in-law Carlton Thomas Fairley, Grandsons D’mitri Rhashad Hunter-White, D’andre Mahlik Fairley, Stepson Christopher Hunter, step grandchildren Brittney Sade Fairley, Adriane Chalon Fairley, Carlton Thomas Fairley Jr., (wife) Marilynn Fairley and Step great grandchild McKenzie Rene Cooper. Sisters, Ethel Caldwell, Verdell Hunter and Mary Etta Earls along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Rena will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.
