Rev. Elsie Hunter

Ms. Elsie Mae McArthur Hunter was born on December 17, 1936 to the late John W. McArthur and Mrs. Joalla Alford McArthur in Alfordsville Township, Robeson County, North Carolina.  Ms. Hunter peacefully transitioned from this life on Saturday, February 26, 2022 in the care of Hospice of the Piedmont.  She graduated from R.B. Dean High School in Maxton, NC with the graduating class of 1956. Ms. Hunter also attended prep college in Asheboro, NC, then later relocated to Cleveland, OH and married the late Milton Jerome Hunter.  From this union Ms. Hunter became the loving and devoted mother of her three children, Gerrard (Shirazi) Hunter, Mellody Charisse Hunter, and Adonis Darell Hunter.

After relocating from Cleveland, OH to High Point, NC Ms. Hunter applied her experience and training gained while working in Cleveland Public Schools, and became the first African-American kindergarten teacher at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point.  In addition to earning her certificate in Early Childhood Education, she was also a certified nurse assistant, and gained specialized training in Alzheimer patient care.

For many years Ms. Hunter was an active member of Pearson Memorial A.M.E. Church in High Point, NC where she served in many capacities as a licensed ordained Associate Minister, teacher, choir member and more.  She had a great zeal for teaching children relatable Bible stories from the Holy Scriptures, and she loved to sing and listen to gospel music and hymns.

Ms. Hunter truly cared for and served others and received many awards and commendations for her dedicated work in ministry, education, and healthcare.

In addition to her parents, John W. McArthur and Mrs. Joalla Alford McArthur and step-mother, Mrs. Blanche McDuffie McArthur, two of her four siblings John McArthur and Mary McArthur Teague preceded her in their transition from this earthly life.

Precious memories of her life are cherished by her three children; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, her sister Ms. Mable Fairley of High Point, NC, brother Mr. Luke McArthur of Washington, DC, brother-in-law Mr. Paul Lawrence Martin of FL, sister-in-law Mrs. Deborah Martin; and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.