Harriett "Judy" (Ernst) Hunter

Judy was born on October 30, 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Harry Joe and Ruth Ernst. She graduated from DuPont Manual High School in Louisville as a member of the Class of 1957. A trailblazer from an early age, Judy earned a place in Kentucky sports history as the first female member of a high school golf team in the state.

On December 17, 1960, she married the love of her life, Raymond B. Hunter, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

Judy dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a special education teacher with both the Jefferson County School System and the Trussville City School System. She touched countless lives through her compassion, patience, and commitment to helping students reach their full potential.

Above all else, Judy loved her family and also enjoyed sports. She was known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and open-door hospitality. No one was ever a stranger in Judy’s home. She welcomed family, friends, neighbors, and newcomers alike with kindness, grace, and a genuine desire to make others feel loved and valued.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Hunter. She leaves behind her children, Terry Hunter Shiflett, David Hunter (Kimberly), Robert Hunter (Lee), and Jill Murphy (Ted), grandchildren, Tim Shiflett (Jaclyn), Tal Shiflett (Jessica), Trent Shiflett, Mary Judith Schulley (Jay), Ellen Darty (Jacob), Elise Murphy, Ben Murphy, great-grandchildren, Teagan Shiflett, Alyssa Aubut, Cody Hunter Pinion, Adeline Lee Darty.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to American Village.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a service to follow in the chapel at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. Graveside service will conclude at Alabama National Cemetery at 11:45 am. If unable to attend, services will be livestreamed. Family and friends are welcome to join by accessing the link below.