Gunter, Lydia “Ellen”, 88, passed into the arms of Jesus and her beloved husband, Marvin on March 29, 2018. She was surrounded by her adoring family. She was born on June 16, 1929 in Danbury, CT but has lived in Jacksonville, FL since she was a child. She is survived by her children Michael (Cathy) Gunter and Susan Gunter Washburn, five grandchildren: Christeen (David) Roy, Samuel Gunter Newsom, Michael Ryan Gunter, Jonathan Hale (Mindy) Newsom, Cameron Gunter, nine great-grandchildren: Matthew, Mark, Sarah Ellen, Nicholas, Kaylyn, Michael Ryan Jr., Charlotte, Major, and Camden. Ellen graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and was attending Jones Business College when she met the love of her life Marvin to whom she was married for 58 years prior to his passing almost ten years ago. They were longtime active members of Main St. Baptist Church, then North Jax Baptist Church. She served as the Circle Leader and General Officer of the W.M.U., sang in the sanctuary choir for 50 years, taught Sunday School to 12th grade for 30 years, served as Training Union Director for High School students. She and Marvin would enjoy a car full of youth on Tuesday nights for visitation. She served as a Co-Director and Outreach Leader for 30-34 year olds. She also served in many social club functions as an active member of the Jr. Women’s Club of Arlington, The Heather Garden Circle of Arlington and Royal Neighbors. She was the driving force of Gunter Catering Service, which she and Marvin owned and operated for 35 years. She was admired and loved by her multitude of friends and she adored her family. Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home is serving the family. A visitation for friends will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 10:00am-11:30am at North Jax Baptist Church, 8531 N. Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32218. The Celebration of Life service to follow immediately. Interment will be in Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205 at 2:30pm. Memorials may be made to North Jax Baptist Church Building Fund, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, or Haven Hospice.
