Juanita Matheny Hunter

Juanita Matheny Hunter, 88, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed peacefully from this life and into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Though she battled the disease multiple times during her life, her faith led her to maintain the joyful spirit and beautiful smile she was known for.

She was born Juanita Faye Matheny on October 4, 1937 in Tad, West Virginia to Ord Ewell and Alice Kelly Matheny, the fifth of 8 children. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Rowena Smith, Ewell Matheny, Dorothy Strinka, Alline Utay, Douglas Matheny, and Paul Matheny. Her only remaining sibling is Betty Isaac of North Carolina, whom she loved dearly.

On September 1, 1956, she married her life partner and love of her life, James (Jim) Edward Hunter. Jim was a very successful agent with Nationwide Insurance Company and together, they were fortunate enough to travel to many places. Due to Jim’s hard work and dedication, and her support of him, they were able to retire early and in 1994, moved to Manning, South Carolina. They lived there for 28 years and they spent the days playing golf and tennis, fishing, and enjoying time with great friends. A woman of strong faith, she was always active in her church community and volunteered in any capacity that was needed. She and her sisters grew up singing in the church, and she continued singing in her church choir just a few years ago. When they moved back to Charleston in 2022, they joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. There, she and Jim made many great friends who were there for the same reasons – to learn more about the goodness of God. The church and the members were a true blessing and Juanita was so grateful for their acceptance of her and Jim through studying and worshipping together. Back in Charleston, she and Jim also loved playing dominoes most Thursday evenings with lifelong friends Lawrence (Buddy) and Carole Smith, and Jim and Ann Kautz. She was most happy when the girls won.

Juanita was an amazing cook and was always in the kitchen preparing something delicious. Her grandsons especially loved her desserts. In the last months of her life, she wasn’t able to prepare meals. Carole Smith, who was a dear friend for over 50 years, and other special friends from the church provided a constant flow of meals and desserts, which she and Jim appreciated so much.

Juanita is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim, her sons, Rick (Lewis) Hunter, Barry (Miri) Hunter; and grandsons, Jordan (Erinn) Hunter and Jonah Hunter.

A celebration of her life will be held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Bigley Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 1pm with Pastor Jesse Waggoner officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney.

Juanita received extremely kind and professional care from the staff at Hubbard Hospice House. They provided her with the comfort she needed to pass from this life peacefully. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to HospiceCare 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387 or hopicecarewv.org.

The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.

Stevens & Grass Funeral Home, Malden is in charge of arrangements.