Josephine Kerr Hunter

Having lived a long and full life, and completing this Earthly sojourn, Josephine Kerr Hunter, 104, of Statesville made her transition into spirit at Serenity House of Mooresville on Friday, April 29, 2016. Born Helen Josephine Kerr on February 20, 1912 in Rowan County, she was the daughter of the late John Roy and Minnie Lee Belk Kerr. She graduated from Mount Ulla High School in 1930, and moved to Statesville in the early 1930's where she met W. Sabert Hunter and they were married on August 28, 1937. He preceded her into spirit on May 22, 1978. Also preceding Josephine into spirit were brothers Marvin, Ray, Roy, Robert, Kenneth and John Kerr, and sisters Alma K. Lefler and Katherine Morrison. Surviving family include daughter Gloria Hunter of Statesville, son Norman Hunter of Norcross, Georgia, granddaughter Briana Hunter of Smyrna, Georgia and daughter-in-law, Muriel, and grandson Brandon Hunter of Canton, NC. In addition, Josephine is survived by one brother, Clifford and wife Betsy Kerr of Salisbury, along with numerous cousins and several generations of nieces and nephews. Also left to remember her are son-in-law Robert and wife Vivian Schall of Houston, TX, along with many friends.

Retiring from Hunter Brothers Company, Inc. in 1971, Josephine pursued her enjoyment of reading, a joy which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling. Her travels took her to 49 of the 50 states and most of the Canadian provinces along with several international destinations. Because of her love of reading and having read hundreds of books over the years, The Friends of the Library honored her on her 102nd birthday in February 2014 for her support and loyalty. In addition to reading and traveling, Josephine enjoyed knitting and throughout her active life, she knitted sweaters, scarves, caps and afghans for family and friends and baby blankets which she donated to the nursery at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

Over the years Josephine was an active member and often an office holder in the Civinettes, Spade and Trowel Garden Club and the Statesville Woman’s Club. At First Baptist Church where she was a member since 1939, she was active in the WMU, the Senior Adult Activity Group and the Priscilla and Lydia Bible Classes, and assisted the Caring Committee, holding various office positions and serving the church which she loved. She also donated several of her hand knitted afghans to the youth of the church for their activities in raising funds for their summer mission trips.

Josephine's family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and Gordon Hospice House for the assistance and care they provided for her. Special thanks also to everyone at Serenity House of Mooresville for their loving care of Josephine in final days.

A service celebrating the life of Josephine will be held on Sunday, May 15th at 200PM at First Baptist Church, 815 Davie Avenue. Following the service, the family will be in Adams Hall to visit with friends. Memorials honoring Josephine may be given to First Baptist Church, 815 Davie Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677, Carolina Comfort Coalition, c/o Serenity House, 110 Centre Church Road, Mooresville, NC 28117, The Salvation Army, P O Box 91, Statesville, NC 28687, or Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Bunch Johnson Funeral Home is assisting the family of Josephine Kerr Hunter. Online condolences may be left at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.