Mae Louis Hunter

Mae Louis Reed was conceived and born out of the love between young John Halton Reed, (affectionately known as “Candace”) and Clairenda Crudup on January 6, 1929, in Reedtown, Arkansas. Mae was raised in Reedtown by loving and nurturing parents who instilled in her the values of morality, integrity and humility. She grew up during the time of segregation and was a graduate of the Sparkman Training School in Sparkman, Arkansas. Mae accepted Christ as a young lady in the Center Point AME Church in Sparkman, Arkansas. She believed strongly that although one is not saved by his works, a man shows his faith by his works (James 2:18); she served throughout her life working in the church. She had served as a stewardess and the president of the Women’s Missionary Society. She remained a faithful member until her departure from this life. Mae Louis met the handsome and poetic Bert Field Hunter and a true love story began. They were united in Holy Matrimony on August 29, 1946, and God blessed them with eight healthy children. Mae Louis and Bert Field shared a 66 year love story filled with up and downs, good and bad days, love and laughter. She was a part of the generation that counted motherhood as a virtue because a mother knew the difference between a house and a home. So her golden accomplishment in life was to make a loving home that would produce a tapestry of memories for which her family would forever cherish and relish. Mae Lois was the epitome of daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, friend, aunt, matriarch, mentor, neighbor, counselor, confidante and servant. Her doors were always open for food, fun and fellowship. She loved holidays and always decorated for Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Along with those holidays came a great feast. She loved to cook “soul food” and every Sunday her home was the place to gather for a great meal and tons of laughter. She never met a stranger and possessed a very quiet but powerful spirit. Her sense of style and elegance could illuminate any eye. She was a self proclaimed “fashionista” and always took pride in looking beautiful from head to toe, which included her hair, clothes and nails. She lived and worked for several years as a foster grandparent with the Foster Grandparent Program at Ouachita Baptist University. She worked at both Goza Middle School and Sparkman ABC Program. After her retirement, she continued to set an example of integrity for all who knew her, especially children. On Sunday after a day filled with food, family, fellowship and laughter. Mae Louis gave her all to the Lord. She is now added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision - a place not made by human hands, but a place we call Heaven. Because love is far greater than death, her love will continue to live in the heart of her beloved Bert Field Hunter; seven adored children, Bertha (Henry) Wheeler of St. Louis, MO, Ezzard (Carolyn) Hunter of Arkadelphia, AR, Carolyn Hunter of Sparkman, AR, Cleophus (Michelle) Hunter of Helena, AR, Glenda (Junius) Williams of Arkadelphia, AR, Gwendolyn (Donnie) Tank of Sparkman, AR, and Gerraind (Felisha) Hunter of Little Rock, AR; her devoted daughter-in-law, Cathy Hunter, the wife of James C. “Plug” Hunter who made his transition on August 29, 2012; twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She also leaves three loving sisters: Lottie Mae Wyatt of Kansas City, MO, Juanita Hughes of Sparkman, AR and Fannie Bell Evans of Denver, CO. She was preceded in death by: one sister; Hattie Hunter; one brother, John Henry Reed; two-sisters-in law: Rebecca and Daisy Lee; a cadre of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; a string of friends and the entire Center Point AME Church family. Her gifts of encouragement and support will forever live in the hearts of all of the lives she touched and those who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul AME Church in Arkadelphia on Saturday, February 23rd at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Harriell White will serve as the celebrant. Interment will be at Center Point Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. Public viewing will be at the funeral home on Friday, February 22nd from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at St. Paul AME Church from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Click the TributeLink tab to view the video tribute.