Carolyn Morrison Ballard Hunt

Carolyn Morrison Ballard Hunt of Wilmington died Friday, October 24, 2008 at her home. Carolyn was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on October 27, 1924, the youngest daughter of John Ditchburn and Lilah Gierkey Morrison. She attended Coffeyville Junior College and the University of Kansas. In 1947, she came to Wilmington as the bride of Raymond Lacy Ballard Jr. of Wadesboro, NC. He was the father of their three children and he preceded her in death on September 6, 1982. Her two sisters, Margaret Morrison Cornwell and Rhoda Lee Morrison, also preceded her in death. Carolyn was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington for over fifty-five years. There, and elsewhere, she expressed and celebrated her love for her Scottish heritage. She served as President of the Women of the Church, was a member of the Board of Deacons, an Elder in the church, and loved singing in the choir. She continued her passion for volunteer work when she moved to Wilmington. She was a member of the Wilmington Social Service League, now the Junior League of Wilmington. She was President of The Girl Scout Council of the Lower Cape Fear. She also served on the board of the Thursday Morning Music Club and on the Board of the Catherine Kennedy Home. She was a member of P.E.O., a national philanthropic, educational organization, for more than sixty years. Carolyn always told the story of when Ray and she moved to Wilmington. She was astonished by the warmth and welcoming community of this city. The friendships she made in January of 1947 are still cherished today and that legacy continues through her children and grandchildren. Carolyn was beloved by her family and friends. She lived her Christian faith and beliefs everyday, devoutly and sincerely. She was thoughtful to all she met, compassionate in the face of suffering and took action in response to other's needs. To those of us closest of her, Carolyn had the extraordinary gift of offering subtle guidance, while giving love and acceptance. Feeling better about oneself always came out of conversations with ""Gran"". She was so filled with Grace, that others could not help but be touched by her love--just by being around her. Simply put, Carolyn was a strong and beautiful person. Throughout her life, it was Carolyn's love that brought all of us, her family and friends, together and united in the good times and the bad. She was an exceptional mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Truly, a gift from God to us all. In 1990, she met and married Dr. Walter Skellie Hunt Jr. of Raleigh who died on August 5, 2006. She is survived by her children: a daughter, Linda Ballard Grew and husband, Dr. Robert Sturgis Grew of Raleigh and their children, Helen Cornell Harriss and fiancé, Ryan Martin Ley, Henry Clark Grew and Joseph Morrison Grew; a son, John Morrison Ballard and wife Carol of Wilmington and their daughter, Megan Elizabeth Ballard; and a son, Raymond Lee Ballard and wife, Beverly of Wilmington and their children, Catherine Anne Ballard and Poston Lee Ballard. In addition, she is survived by three step-sons: Walter Skellie Hunt, III, of Wilmington; Senator Kemp Neal Hunt and wife Frances Duden of Raleigh; and the Reverend William Hall Hunt and wife, Helen of Orange Park, Florida. She is survived as well as eight step-grandchildren: Walter S. Hunt, IV and wife Sandy; Leigh Hunt Ester and husband Buddy; Lindsay Hunt Sylvester and husband Ward; Eleanor Scott Hunt, Kemp Neal Hunt Jr.; Miriam Hunt Carine and husband Kevin, William Hall Hunt Jr., Andrew Jervey Hunt; and ten step great-grandchildren. Carolyn's family would like to thank the entire staff at Plantation Village for their most loving and compassionate care. They were truly a comfort to her and all of her family during this time in Carolyn's life. The family will receive friends at the home of Linda and Rob Grew at 7142 Saybrook Drive. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2008, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church at Third and Orange Streets with the Reverend Doctor Ernest Thompson officiating. Memorials may be made, in lieu of flowers to First Presbyterian Church, 125 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC 28404; Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 2222 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401; or a charity of one's choice.