Mrs. Katherine (Ward) Hunter

Katherine Ward Hunter was born on May 5, 1941 in Doyline, Louisiana, to the parentage of Eliga and Lusinda Ward. She was the third child to be born. At an early age, her family moved from Doyline, Louisiana to Dallas, Texas into the West Dallas Community.

She attended early education at C.F. Carr Elementary School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She studied at Bishop College and later took additional courses at Mountain View College and Cedar Valley Community College. Education was important to her.

Katherine accepted Christ at an early age at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dallas, under the leadership of the late Pastor Washington. The family later joined Sweet Home Baptist Church where she was baptized under the late Pastor S.A. Armstrong. Some of her many talents were sewing, singing, modeling clothes and surely dancing. She also enjoyed making her clothes. Her greatest enjoyment was raising her children and being a Godly mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

While in high school Katherine met the love of her life, Jimmie Lee Hunter, Jr. After high school, the couple wed on January 17, 1959 and to this union, 5 children were born. She told stories to her children, grandchildren and many others about life in that, “it’s not always easy, but is rewarding if you don’t give up”. She never allowed obstacles from rearing her children properly. Each child attended Catholic schools across the Dallas metroplex, as well as a career targeted schools ,college or military. She and her husband Jimmie were elevated in ministry to Deacon and Deaconess in early 1980. She served well along side her husband and taught many others how to serve.

It was imperative that she follow her children in various activities such as; basketball, track, choir competitions, dance and tap recitals, swimming lessons, music lessons, pageants, etc. Many nights were spent burning the midnight oil studying with her children. They were all taught to balance Godliness, social ethics and servanthood; it was her joy. She loved stretching meals and preparing food for the neighborhood children. Anyone that wanted a meal knew they would be safe and fed well at the Hunter’s home

At an early age she began her employment career with Parkland Hospital in Dallas within the burn unit and later changed her career path to telecommunications, where she began her new career with South Western Bell and later crossed over to AT&T. She retired from phone service with 32 years of employment.

Later in life, Katherine accepted the role of “Granny G”, along with her youngest son Tracy as they raised her great granddaughter Miracle Raquel Kirkwood. What joy she had raising this sweet and special soul.

As the two of them raised their children, they taught and led them to know Christ, and encouraged them to love God and to love people. She helped each of her children identify and cultivate each of their individual gifts and talents (Singing, Drummer, Lead & Bass Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Motivational Speaking, Sports & Christian Ministries).

Church Affiliates: New Generation Baptist Church, Freedom Baptist Church, Southern Crest Baptist Church, St. Luke Baptist Church, Faithful Missionary Baptist Church, Community Baptist Church.

Only by the hand of this kind of mother, has she nurtured many kids throughout the community and abroad, a second Mom to many.

Katherine is Preceded in death by her Husband; Jimmie Lee Hunter, Jr., Dad; Eliga Ward, Sr., Mother; Lucinda Ward January, Brothers; Eliga Ward, Jr., John Wade Ward, Sister; Eleanor Ward Hatley, Neices; Kimberly Caprice Irving, Baby Mary Lusinda,

She leaves to cherish her memory five children; Jimmie Lee Hunter III (Laurie) of Houston, Texas, Russell Wayne Hunter (Sally) of Shertz, Texas, Trevor Deon Hunter (Diane) of North Richland Hills, Texas, Barbara Ann Coleman of Terrell, Texas, Tracy Hunter of Cedar Hill, Texas Two special sons; Nickey of terrell, Texas and Titus Ni’Gel King of Cedar Hill, Texas, fifteen grandchildren; Rachel Raquel Pringle (Mike), Jimmie Lee Hunter IV of San Diego, California, Brittany Alise Hunter, Brooke Adair Hunter, Breana Ashley Hunter all of Houston, Texas, La’Belle Hunter of New York City, New York, Sharde Hunter of California, Tiffany Hunter of Austin, Texas, Essence Monet’ Hunter of Dallas, three sisters, Nomoree Ward Price, Arlillian Ward Irving, Tonnie Dean Ward Borner, Elinda Ward Armstead, a host of many dear relatives and friends, to numerous to name.