Lady Tonsie Bell Hunter

Tonsie Bell Williams Hunter was born on November 12, 1939, in Crockett, Texas, to the late Roosevelt Williams and Carrie Bell Scurlock Williams. In 1943, her family moved to Stanton, Texas, where she began her walk of faith at St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Goode. There, she joyfully sang in the choir-a love for music and worship that stayed with her throughout her life.

She graduated from G.W. Carver High School in 1958 and pursued her passion for beauty by attending beauty college. In August of 1958, she married the love of her life, Walter R. Hunter .Shortly after, the couple moved to California, where they began building alife together before returning to Texas in early 1961.

In 1962, Tonsie joined Antioch Baptist Church in Midland, Texas, where she became an active member and sang in the choir. In 1975, she became First Lady of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Andrews, Texas, where she served faithfully for 30 years alongside her husband, Rev. Walter R. Hunter. In 2004, she returned to Antioch, where she continued serving and lifting her voice in praise until her passing.

Tonsie was known for her elegance, warm presence, and unwavering faith. She loved dressing up, watching The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune, and spending hours on the phone with her sisters Dorthy Lee, Gloria, and Lois. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Walter R. Hunter Jr., her grandson Walter R. Hunter Eil and eight beloved siblings-seven sisters and one brother.

Tonsie leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Rev. Walter R. Hunter, and her children: Rev. Tony Ray Hunter Sr. and his wife Carmina, Michelle Lanette Washington, Jason Rafael Hunter, and Tonya Nicole McAfee and her husband Tacallo ,all residing in Midland, Texas. She was a proud grandmother to Krystal, Timothy, Tony Jr., Farris, Aundrace, Brooklyn, Brandon, Jazmine, Ty, Jackie, Alia, Jada, Jasmine, Lacey, and J'via. She was also blessed with twenty-three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She is also survived by her loving sisters and brother in-laws, Mrs. Howard Jenkins (Gloria) of Lawton, OK ,and Mrs. William Scott (Bobbie) of Richmond, VA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members ,and dear friends.

Tonsie Bell Williams Hunter will be remembered for her dignified spirit, her deep love for her family, and her unwavering commitment to her faith. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.