1925
2016
Shirley Millican Hunter, 91, passed on Thursday, December 15, 2016 in her home in Fairfax, Virginia. Shirley was born on May 2, 1925 in Victoria, Virginia. She was the youngest of 7 children; 6 preceded her in death. From 1943 to 1945, Shirley trained as a surgical nurse at Alexandria Hospital. As a cadet nurse in the Army Corps of Nurses she hoped to join the war effort but the war ended before her training was completed. After receiving her RN she took a job in the newborn nursery at Alexandria Hospital and worked there for 20 years, devoting her life to serving others. It was also there that she met her best friend, Frances "Meme" Buckman and later became the Godmother to Frances' granddaughter and grandson, Jean "Hank" Bailes and Keith Carper. During this time Shirley met the man who would become her husband, Herbert C. Hunter (b.1927 d.1976). Herbert and Shirley were married on July 3, 1965 at Pohick Church in Lorton, Virginia. Before her marriage, she retired from nursing and, together, she and Herbert ran the Hunter Motel & Restaurant in Newington, Virginia. They raised one child, Edith "Edy" Hunter Rameika (b.1968); she was the love of their lives, and Shirley was a doting and devoted Mother. Herbert passed away unexpectedly in January of 1976, and Shirley became a single mother. Through her life Shirley was an active member of her church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia and the group of "Holy Folders" who met to fold the church bulletins once a week.
Beginning in 1989, Edy had the first of 4 children; thereby making Shirley a Grandmother 4 times over. Unsurprisingly, she excelled at her position as "Gammy." Shirley is survived by her daughter Edy (Sean) Rameika; 4 grandchildren: Roxanne (Nathaniel) Green, Nadine Hornberger, Nathan Hornberger, and Jacob Hornberger; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Nathaniel Green, IV, Isis Green, Christian Green, and Eden Green; 2 Godchildren: Jean "Hank" Bailes and Keith Carper, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Demaine Funeral Home 5308 Backlick Rd. Springfield, Virginia 22151 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 22, 2016 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church 6744 South Kings Hwy. Alexandria, Virginia 22306 at 11:00 am with burial immediately following at Pohick Church in Lorton, Virginia. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
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5 Entries
January 2, 2017
Karen Wilkinson
So many fond memories of Shirley and all of you in Alexandria. Edy, you were certainly the love of her life and I can tell what wonderful care you took of her from the many pictures and "news" we would receive through family members. Shirley was such a jolly, happy person and I think the happiest she ever was was when she met Herb and when you came into her life. She was such a kind and gentle caregiver to so many most of her life. Please know how much we love you all and will surely miss Shirley. My mama (Letha), Mary Della and Shirley are surely having fun catching up at some heavenly tea party!
December 20, 2016
Mike DeLuca
My sincerest condolences. I have such fond memories of Ms. Hunter as I was growing up. To the Hunter and Rameka family, I hope that you find peace in this dark time.
December 19, 2016
Robin Mercer
Our sincerest condolences from the Mercer family. Our family history starts with my grandparents who were friends with Shirley and Herbert Hunter as my grandfather used to have lunch at the Hunter Motel quite regularly. Then, I was so blessed to meet Edy in middle school and get to know her lovely mother...such an incredible woman. Raised a wonderful daughter. Sending love and peace. xoxo Robin Mercer
December 18, 2016
Shirley provided so many wonderful memories in Groveton and at St Mark's Episcopal Church. Her smile, laughter and jokes will always be in our hearts. We loved her dearly and will truly miss her.
Charlotte and Bonnie
December 17, 2016
Thank you Mrs Shirley For All the Child Hood Memories For Me And My sister Floyd Frye Jr Loved You
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