Mrs. Mary Ella Hunt

In Loving Memory Of; Mother Mary Ella Hunt who was affectionately called "Mae" by family and friends was born on January 23, 1922 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. She was the second of seven children born to the union of Daisy Lou and James Monroe Gilbert (Austin Eldridge-Stepfather). Siblings James, Leo, George, Ossie and Thomas all preceded her in death, as did her granddaughter Natalie (Nicki). Mary graduated from Byrd Prillerman High School in Beckley, West Virginia, she was chosen as Queen of the Reunion with a special crown and ceremony! She attended every school reunion until her health failed. Mary married her high school sweetheart in 1942, Robert Gill Hunt (who preceded her in death). To this union seven children were born, Robert (Bob), Paula, Rose, Sherry, Brian, Vida and Karen (Kay). In the early 1950s they moved to Detroit where they raised their loving family and remained happily married for 45 years before Robert's death. Mary (Mae) followed the tradition of her mother and grandmother by being a virtuous family matriarch, who was devoted to Christ, loving and living a family and faith centered life. She was a member of the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years, where several of her children were baptized. She loved music and singing and was in the Women's Choir for over 20 years. She continued her devotion as a member of Sanctuary Fellowship Baptist Church, where she was a founding member under the leadership of Rev. Keith L. Whitney until her death. At Sanctuary she was a choir member and was the first Mother of the church to receive a Woman of the Year Award. It is still given yearly in honor of Mother Mary Hunt. Mary loved to sew and created most of her daughters' outfits while they were in school. Mary loved to cook and was known for her famous angel biscuits and pies. Mother Mary enjoyed shopping and taught her family how to spot a bargain a mile away. The importance of family was taught by her Mother, and on yearly summer visits home to West Virginia, there was always big celebrations with plenty of family, friends and food! Vacations radiated in happiness, joy and fun. She carried that tradition to Detroit, Michigan and the family still enjoys gatherings based around food, love and fellowship. Mama made a personal ministry of sending greeting cards and letters to family and friends, her doctors, nurses, hairdresser, church friends to name a few, and always included her signature handkerchiefs (and sometimes money), which were her signs of love and generosity! Her relaxing moments were being in touch with her neighbors and watching her favorites Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She also enjoyed singing and dancing shows and The Steve Harvey Show, saying if she had ever met him, she would tell him not to cuss, it wasn't necessary! She also watched her Sunday Christian shows all day when she was unable to attend church. Mama took pleasure in contributing to various historic causes including President Barack Obama's campaign, the Tuskegee Airmen, MLK Monument and the National Museum of African American History. She has received several plaques certificates and acknowledgements from city, state and government and many national charity organizations. Mary was a generous giver of love, material gifts and spiritual nuggets. She lived a full, and complete life sharing it with loving family and friends. One of her famous sayings was "I am not just blessed, I'm doubly blessed!" When reflecting on her long life she would say, "The Lord has blessed me so I can be a blessing to others."

Mrs. Mary Ella Hunt

January 23, 1922 - February 3, 2020