Minister Maple Lee Hunter, 88, of Faunsdale, Alabama, passed away on January 21, 2025. She was born on November 2, 1936, to Mattie and Edmond Coleman. She was a devoted mother, homemaker, and minister who dedicated her life to her faith and family.
Maple grew up in the Faunsdale area and attended Greer’s School and later Hale County Training School. She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and joined Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church. At the age of 25, she married Clarence Hunter, who preceded her in death 15 years ago. Their union was blessed with seven children. Maple later moved her membership to Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Newbern, Alabama. She was later called to preach the Gospel and then joined Praise and Worship Church in Greensboro, Alabama.
Minister Hunter was a loving and hardworking woman who took on various jobs, including babysitting, cooking, fishing, gardening, canning, sewing, quilting, and reading her Bible. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and deep love for her family and faith. She often reminded her children of how proud she was of them, and she was known for saying, “You all are my pride and joy.” Another saying of hers was, “I will swim a river for you all, and I can’t even swim.” Even though she was soft-spoken, her bright smile and big heart touched many lives.
She was preceded in death by six siblings, Richard Coleman, James Coleman, Edmond Coleman Jr., Ernest Coleman, and two sisters, Rachel Ward and Idella Coleman (infant). Minister Hunter leaves to cherish her memories her seven children: Regional Bernard Hunter of Gadsden, Alabama; Shirley Ann (Charles) Threatt of Sparta, Georgia; Elaine Allen of Faunsdale, Alabama; Minerva Blocker of Milledgeville, Georgia; Ervin Clarence Hunter of Faunsdale, Alabama; Alfred Hunter of Faunsdale, Alabama; and Phillip Hunter of Gadsden, Alabama. She also leaves two special young ladies she nurtured from childhood to young adulthood, Jahdazhi Florez and Titiana Florez.
Other survivors include three sisters and one brother, Mattie Washington of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Willie (Willie Ann) Threatt of Faunsdale, Alabama; Bessie Thomas of Faunsdale, Alabama; and Willie Roy (Mary) Coleman of Marion, Alabama. She also leaves four sisters-in-law, Ruby Bolden of Woodstock, Georgia; Dorothy Coleman of Mobile, Alabama; Peggy Coleman of Faunsdale, Alabama; and Mary (Willie Roy) Coleman of Marion, Alabama. Maple was blessed with fifteen grandchildren, including two who preceded her in death, Ashley Hunter and Anthony Ervin Treyvon Hunter. She also had fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, cousins, and friends. Minister Hunter cherished the memory of a very dedicated and devoted nephew, Cephus Ward Jr., whom she adored and lovingly called “Peanut.”
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Faunsdale, Alabama, with Pastor Larry Jackson officiating and Sister Judith Hood serving as Mistress of Order.
