Shirley Hunter

She is survived by Brother, Joey Louis Waterman, Son, Hayward Nathaniel Hunter, fondly known as “Dude”, Daughter-in-law, Michelle Carter, Sister-in-law, Rita Moorer.

She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Hayward Vanion, Ethan, Xavier, and Aliya Hunter—as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Shirley was born in Toronto, Ontario, on September 23, 1937, to Joseph Nathaniel Waterman and Alice Maude (née Bailey) Waterman. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Alice Waterman, Husband, Hayward Marvin Hunter, Sisters, Olive and Lucille Waterman, Eva Harris and Mary Hunt and brothers, Joe, Charlie and Jackie Waterman and many close friends.

Shirley was born, raised, and educated in the area roughly spanning Bathurst and College to Spadina and Dundas in Toronto. Along with many Kensington neighbourhood teenagers, she frequented the University Settlement House and St. Christopher House (now known as West Neighbourhood House), where weekly dances were held.

She attended Commerce High School, where she developed her beautiful penmanship. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete her studies due to family hardships that required her financial support.

Her early employment included a variety of jobs, and she later secured a long-term position at Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital as part of the kitchen staff, where she worked for many years.

Shirley grew into a stunning and popular young woman. At that time, the “Kensington families” were very close-knit, and anyone who knew anyone had heard of the “foxy” Shirley Waterman. She was often described as “sharp” and “fly.”

A handsome young man from Buffalo, New York, Hayward Marvin Hunter, ultimately stole her heart, and they were married in Toronto in the autumn of 1963. Following their marriage, she lived in Buffalo for several years, where they welcomed their only child. She returned to Toronto in 1973.

Upon her return, Shirley worked predominantly as an expert switchboard operator at various establishments, mainly in downtown Toronto. She eventually retired from a position with the Toronto District School Board.

Shirley was an avid lover of music—blues (Etta James), jazz (Ray Charles), rap (Tupac Shakur), gospel (Shirley Caesar), and R&B. She LOVED to “socialize” and was also a longstanding member and supporter of the Grant AME Church on Gerrard Street in Toronto.

Shirley was known for her generosity toward her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a plethora of charities. She believed in giving with a warm hand and a willing heart and took great joy in seeing her generosity appreciated during her lifetime other than waiting to give only after her passing.

In her later years, her favourite pastimes included daily phone conversations with her brother Joey, reminiscing about the “good old days,” watching Turner Classic Movies, and spending time on her iPad.

She will be sorely missed.

A visitation will be held at the Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2029 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON. M4E 2B3 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm.

Donations may be made to the Grant AME Church.