Irma Rebecca Lee

Irma Rebecca Lee, was born on December 29, 1947 in Newark, NJ. Irma grew up in the Newark school system where she developed her love for the violin and classical music. She was a sharp dresser, and her style was admired by many, especially her younger sisters and cousins. She graduated from Central High School in 1965. She moved to Ithaca, NY with aspirations of attending Cornell University. After graduating high school, Irma worked for the US Postal service until she relocated to Los Angeles.

Irma was married to Gregory Hunt, and from that union, birth was given to their son, Gregory Hunt, Jr. Irma was a loving and supportive mother, committed to providing a better life for her son. She kept Gregory active; he played sports and took music lessons; and they would visit museums, art galleries, and take in all the wonders of New York city. And as a single mom, she provided a private school education for Gregory until the day he graduated.

Irma was dedicated to her one and only son whom she loved completely and unapologetically. Her love was Gregory Jr. was only rivaled by the birth of her grandson, Gregory Christian-Nicholas Hunt, III—whom she doted on from the day he was born. When she was caught filling her newborn grandsons' bottle with water, her response was that she just wanted her Little Pookie’s system to be clean. She loved her grandson fiercely and she took him with her to Sligo, SDA church (Takoma Park, MD) regularly; they had a very special relationship.

When he began taking violin lessons, she had his violin custom made. They would play and listen to classical music together. And whenever he’d spend the night at her house, they would open the blinds and greet each morning, “Good morning, Jesus”, they would say.

Irma was creative. You could almost always find her camera in hand capturing her interpretation of life—she was such a lover of life in all its beauty. Her passion for photography and music was matched by her love, and dedication to writing. Her discipline to write was extraordinary and over the years, she had many poems and articles published; and her images have been showcased in art shows and magazines. Her labor of love however, was her manuscript—which she committed to complete until she could no longer do so.

Irma loved the freedom and independence that came with living single. In a heartbeat, she would drive anywhere to visit family and friends. When she decided to move, she packed up and drove all the way to L.A.—stopping each night so she could rest, and her son could swim. You see, if the hotel (or motel) had no swimming pool for her son to enjoy, she continued driving until she found one that did.

But most of all Irma loved the Lord. She lived for Jesus and those she encountered use words like, “thoughtful” and “kind” to describe her.

She had a passion for service; helping those in need and always giving back to the community and those she loved. Whether petitioning for a neighborhood beautification project, donating her time and money, or providing temporary shelter for a family in need, to her, she was simply thanking God for the day He rescued her. And since that day, she lived a life of service. She’s also spent many years as a member of the homeless ministry at Capital Hill, SDA church (Washington, DC). Irma made you feel special and always matched her loving smile, with a kind word.

Irma passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of March 3, 2021. She is survived by her son; Gregory Hunt Jr., daughter-in-law; Michelle Hunt, and grandson; Gregory Christian-Nicholas Hunt, III.

Those preceded in Irma’s passing are her beloved Mother; Ruth Morrison, Brother; Ralph Griggs and Sister; Carol Brown.

Irma is further survived by her Brother; Dwight Griggs of Los Angeles, CA, Sister; Ayana Conway of Richmond, VA , brother-in-law Ishmail Conway Sister; Sadiqua Rahim of Richmond, VA, and brother-in-law Raquib Rahim; along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Of all her roles, Irma was proud to be a devoted mother, active grandmother, supportive family member, compassionate friend and Christian woman.

Irma’s devoted and committed spirit have endeared her to us. The family feels a personal loss to great to display in words. Therefore, may her soul rest in peace and may our Almighty God grant solace and consolation to Irma’s beloved son, Gregory, her daughter-in-law; Michelle and her grandson; Gregory, III; and her grief-stricken family members, relatives and friends.