Mother Deborah Hunt

Mother Deborah Jean Hunt, 75, of South Bend Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7th in Indianapolis IN, with her loving family by her side. She was the second child of James Sr. and Willie Mae (Ferrell) Williams, born on November 21, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana.

She was reared in the South Bend Community School Corporation attending Colfax, Muessel, and Central High School.

On November 21, 1978, she united in holy matrimony with L.T. Hunt, beginning a loving partnership that would span 47 years. She was a retired employee of AM General. While she valued her professional work, her greatest calling was in her ministry and service to the Lord and her family.

Mother Hunt was saved in 1976 during a revival led by Elder Eugene Raggins at Miracle Revival COGIC. She later united with Elizabeth Memorial COGIC.

After giving her life to Christ, she made it her mission to instill the love of Christ in her family, faithfully taking her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to church and nurturing their spiritual growth.

She was a charter and devoted member for thirty years at Life Changers South Bend (formerly Greater Saint Matthew Church), serving under the leadership of Apostle Charles King, II, and later Pastor Charles King, III. Living by the scripture, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10), Mother Hunt served with diligence and excellence.

In the late 1990s, she was ordained into the Gospel ministry by Apostle King, marking a significant milestone in her lifelong commitment to ministry work.

A true pillar within the church, she offered wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual guidance to all who encountered her. She served faithfully in numerous capacities, including the choir, Sunday School, and the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee—where she often blessed services with heartfelt poems and special readings.

Gifted with a passion for cooking, Mother Hunt also served on the Hospitality Committee and even established a children’s cooking class, combining her love for fellowship and mentorship to young people. For more than a decade, she faithfully served as Mother of the Church, embodying grace, strength, and spiritual leadership.

Her presence was marked by a life of prayer, encouragement, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Above all, she loved her Lord and Savior, her church, and her Pastor.

Mother Hunt leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 47 years, L.T. Hunt; sons, Tony Smith of South Bend, David White of Texas and Deshawn (Bianca) White of Hawaii; daughters, Kimberly (William) Jones of Milwaukee, WI; Deborah Gamble, DeAnna Blackmon and DaZha Blackmon all of South Bend; son-in-law, Charles Jude of Georgia; 13 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dottie Williams of South Bend and Dennis (Gale) Williams, Sr. of Chicago, Illinois; best friend, Mother Emma King; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Mother Hunt was preceded in death by her parents, James and Willie Mae Williams; daughters: Nicole L. Smith-Jude and Dachel Smith Pace; grandsons, Quinton L. Jones and Charles Odynski; great-granddaughter, Zaida White; siblings: James Williams, Jr., Linda Kaye Gordon, Sharon Johnson, and Ronnie D. Williams, Sr.; brother-in-law, Larry Gordon; and nephew, Ronnie D. Williams, Jr.  A Special thank you to granddaughter Precious Odynski, A special great granddaughter JaiVionna White, and thank you to niece, Takeya Jones, for care and comfort in her final days.

Though she has transitioned from this earthly life, Mother Hunt’s legacy of faith, love, and resilience will live on through the many lives she touched.
 

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