Bernice Lee Cook Hunter

Bernice C. Hunter, 86, passed away peacefully on 19 Aug 2026 at her home in Lexington, SC, with family by her side. She was born in Murphy, NC, as the oldest of five children to Robert and Evelyn Cook.

In 1943, her family moved to Akron, OH, where her father took a job at the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation to support the World War II effort. She graduated from Akron Central High School, Akron, OH in 1958. She was an Honor Society student, a varsity cheerleader for 3 years, a member of the student council and other organizations.

She graduated from Ohio University, Athens, OH in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. While at OU, she was secretary of the freshman class and president of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. After graduation, she worked for Rike Kumler Corporation in Dayton, OH, as a Retail Buyer.

On 3 Aug 1963, Bernice and John were married and settled in Morgantown, WV, so John could complete a Master of Science Degree at West Virginia University. While in Morgantown, WV, Bernice taught Accounting and Business Law at Morgantown Business School. In 1965 they moved to Lafayette, IN, and Bernice worked as a retail buyer with L. S. Ayres and Co. In 1967 she accepted a promotion to the L. S. Ayres' flagship department store in Indianapolis, IN. In 1969, they moved to Fort Walton Beach. FL, so John could fulfill his commitment to the U. S. Air Force. Their daughter Ann was born at Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

While at Eglin, Bernice became an accomplished China painter and was active in the Officers' Wives Club and Meals on Wheels. In 1972, John left the USAF, and the family moved to Decatur, GA. Bernice was very active in the Christian Women’s Club. The club organized a “thank you” get-together for Vietnam veterans. Vets were very appreciative because society shunned vets after the Vietnam War. In 1978, the family moved to Greenville, MS. She was active in the Christian Women’s Club, Girl Scouts, and the Methodist Church.

She was a devoted Mother, and Grandmother. Bernice was one of those people who, when she walked into the room, people noticed. Bernice was always friendly and seemed glad to meet people.

She is survived by her loving husband John, daughter Ann Hunter Dwigans (Paul) of Columbia, SC, granddaughter Sara Hansen (Benjamin) of Orem, UT, granddaughter Crystal Dwigans of Amarillo, TX, grandson Jonathon Dwigans of Columbia, SC, and a great-grandson, Noah Hansen of Orem, UT, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services will be held Wednesday, 26 Aug 2026, at 1 pm at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel, 503 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072. A private graveside service and interment will follow later at the Heavner Cemetery, Buckhannon, WV.

Honorary gifts can go to the Helen Howard Hunter Endowment Fund at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, or help teenagers at Covenant House.