Rachel Jackson Bunte

Rachel Jackson Bunte (95) died January 5, 2014, in Atlanta, GA. A memorial celebration is planned for Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 pm, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, with reception following. Rachel was born in Spartanburg, SC, to Laura and Nelson Jackson. After growing up in Tryon, NC, Rachel graduated from Converse College with a BA in piano. Music remained a lifelong passion as she directed children’s choirs, participated in Duet Club, taught piano lessons, and supported The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In 1940 Rachel married Louis Floreth Bunte and soon thereafter the Navy moved them to Atlanta. Together they joined Peachtree Presbyterian Church in 1954, where they became active and faithful members. Over the past sixty years, Rachel participated in the Chancel Choir and Presbyterian Women (Honorary Life Member), served as Elder and Clerk of Session and on the Pastoral Search Committee, and remained a loyal member of The Gene and Martha Wilson Sunday School Class. Other community philanthropies including PEO Chapter R, Student Aid Foundation, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Presbyterian Village Board were graced by Rachel’s talent and time. For the past nine years she lived at Mt Vernon Towers in Sandy Springs, giving and receiving joy from both residents and staff. In a note that Rachel left to assist her children, she wrote, “As you plan a memorial service I want it to be filled with joy and gratitude for all that My Heavenly Father has given me over these many years on this earth.” All who knew Rachel, also loved as” Dommie”, understood that she indeed lived the scripture that “this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Rachel was preceded in death by husband Louis F. Bunte and daughter Laurie Bunte Tucker. Her survivors include son, Louis E. Bunte (Betsy), daughter, Margaret Bunte Carriere (Scott), son-in-law Richard Tucker (Nancy), nine grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and brother, Jim Jackson (Sheila). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305.