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Phyllis Hunter Obituary
1947-2018
Mrs. Phyllis Christine Hunter (née Hess) transitioned to heaven on February 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas at the age of 70.
Phyllis C. Hunter, coined the phrase, "Reading is the new civil right!" while managing the Pre-K-12 Reading Department for Houston I.S.D,. As president, of Phyllis C. Hunter Consulting, she spoke internationally on the topic, "What does it take to help all kids become successful readers?" Her Scholastic book, It's Not Complicated! What I know For Sure About Helping Our Kids of Color Become Successful Readers and the Phyllis C. Hunter Classroom Libraries are best sellers. Phyllis Hunter served students and teachers for 40 plus years as a Reading and Literacy expert, an elementary principal, middle school assistant principal, classroom teacher, speech therapist, district administrator and consultant to President George W. Bush. Helping to close the achievement gap was Mrs. Hunter's passion! Mrs. Hunter obtained her masters degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Bachelors from Tennessee State University
Phyllis Hunter is survived by her son Andrew De Leon Hunter II and grandson Andrew DeLeon Hunter III of Brooklyn, NY and was preceded in death by her late husband Andrew De Leon Hunter Sr.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the visitation 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Sugar Land Mortuary, 1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Fort Bend Church, 1900 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of PHYLLIS HUNTER In lieu of flowers, please send donations to ALS.ORG.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Hunter
Sponsored by Sugar Land Mortuary.
Andrew Hunter MD
February 4, 2026
i miss you Mom. i wear your pin, I quote you often, A3 misses his grandmother, Continue to rest in piece
Helena Spain
February 3, 2026
Phyllis was so talented all the memories will never die. She was the best host and her parties won´t be forgotten. Most of all her kindness and smile was golden.
Candace Aderman
November 12, 2024
Words cannot describe the goodness of Phyllis. She was my mentor yrs. ago. She encouraged me, guided me, and supported me through the years. She will always be in my heart
Andrew Hunter
February 4, 2024
Another year. Still not fair. A3 continues to miss you and wished you could watch him in swimming. Love you Mom
Drew
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Glenda German
February 3, 2024
All the children are still being touched by your legacy in education. Personally we shared a lot and the void is still there. Your friendship can´t be replaced. Blessings.
Ronald M Wilson
February 3, 2024
Thank you for making me a better biscuit baker!! You were a MASTER CHEF in the kitchen. I miss you!! #AKA1908 #KAPsi #D9Family
Dr. Gwen Lavert
November 17, 2023
I was reading and ran across a quote from Phyllis C. Hunter, "Parents will forgive us for a lot of things, but they will not forgive us when their children can not read. Reading is our new Civil Rights!"
Helena Spain
February 16, 2023
Phyllis your kindness smile and energy are truly missed and will never be forgotten.
Helena Spain
Andrew Hunter
February 3, 2023
I love you Mom. A3 is so big now and he still talks about his Nana. He is reading like a champion. I wish you could be here to see him
Ronald M Wilson
February 5, 2022
Missing our talks and when I go near Sugarland I smile!!
Andrew Hunter (son)
February 4, 2022
Miss you Mom
You would love reading to A3 and hearing about kindergarten.
Glenda German
February 3, 2022
Remembering a wonderful woman and a great friend.
Lukisha Barrera Gibbs
July 7, 2021
Hi I recently learned about your mother's accomplishments and quoted her in a post. The reason I was following your mom is because I wanted her to be an expert speaker in my interview series. I did not know she passed away until today. I learned so much in just a few weeks of listening to her videos and reading her materials. I am honored to have interacted with her work. My condolences and prayers for your family.
Ronald M Wilson
February 4, 2021
Thank you for the friendship you extended to me all of the years ago at HISD. You reminded me that I did have family right there in Sugar Land!! I got up a baked some biscuits with White Lily Self-Rising Flour just like you! Every time I bake biscuits I think of you! Sending love to my #AKA Sister, Friend, but really my Family Member from Erwann and I!!
Andrew Hunter
February 3, 2021
It has been a busy year Mom. We would have taught A3 to read via FaceTime. Sold the Sugar Land house because your spirit was no longer there. Miss you
Angela O.
May 26, 2020
Ms. Phyllis you crossed my mind today and fond memories flooded my mind. It was such a joy to sit and converse with you while preparing for your garage sale. We had so many great political discussions, life stories, etc while on our walks; I will always remember you. I thank God for merging our paths even though it was just for a short time. I love & miss you friend.
Glenda German
February 7, 2020
Missing you smiles and joy. I did not get to attend your service because my dad passed a day after you. Please know that you were thought of. Your legacy speaks for itself.
Sylvia Cooper
February 3, 2020
Phyllis continue to Rest In Peace. Gone but not forgotten, I will never forget you. I miss you.
Andrew Hunter
February 3, 2020
Love you Mom A3 needs his Nana
Glenda German
May 18, 2019
I missed your homegoing service because my dad passed at that time also. Rest in pease. You smiling face will be missed but not forgotten. Happy Mother's Day 2019.
Jackie Franklin
April 17, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I am thinking of you and missing you today. April is the month of our Sisters Breast CA Walks. I will miss the conversations we had while doing our walks. I miss seeing your smiling face at Church. First Lady Barbara Bush
Your literacy partner and mentor has also passed on to GLORY today 4/17/18.
I am sure you two will be READING together for ever. You worked hard to educate students and teach them to READ. You brought a lot of joy to my life. You were a great friend, always willing to help and share. You were a fierce fighter for your causes! Your work down here was well done with lots of class, fight and passion!
RIP dear friend.
Jackie Franklin
De Jackson
March 2, 2018
Our family was so sad to hear of the passing of your loved one and our Soror. What an amazing woman.
She has changed history with her life's purpose. God is pleased. We will keep you and your family in constant prayer.
February 26, 2018
God has given us a life span of 70 and 80 years if we are strong. May you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10 May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:1, 2) sustain your family during this challenging time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Gloria Fields-Escobedo
February 23, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family! Ms. Hunter definitely an extraordinary woman! Always professional, caring, considerate, willing to share and empower others. Displaying her unforgettable and beautiful smile always. Thankful we got to meet and work together.
Gloria Fields-Escobedo
February 23, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family! Ms. Hunter was an extraordinary woman! Always professional, caring and empowering others. Displaying her unforgettable and beautiful smile always.
Terri Hurley
February 13, 2018
Phyllis brightened the lives of everyone who knew her. I will miss her greatly.
Margery Mayer
February 12, 2018
Phyllis was truly one-of-a-kind. Truly! Funny, smart, ferocious. Phyllis had low tolerance for fools but she never demeaned anyone. She inspired everyone to do more. I loved seeing Phyllis address teachers with straight talk. She had a naughtiness and yet she stirred our better natures like the very best preacher. One of my favorite Phyllis lines: parents send us the best kids they have---it's not like they are keeping the good ones at home. So true. I'm heart-broken to think about Phyllis silenced but her powerful call to action still stirs our hearts. You go, Girl. xoxo
Davetta Daniels
February 11, 2018
Sister Phyllis: The last time I had the pleasure of talking to you was at Carrabas for lunch, with some of the HISD retired administrators. I remember your radiant smile, and your larger than life attitude, as you shared with us your about with cancer, as you requested us to uplift you in prayer. Your attiude was just as positive as it was when I first met you at your beautiful Sugarland home, over 20 years ago. I visited you with a mutual friend.I remember arriving there as you took us up a spiral winding stair case. You greeted me, if we had known one another forever. You took us on a tour, and introduced us to all the handmade collection of the most beautiful Black Dolls I had ever seen, with a name and a story for each. Your personality left an enormous inpact on me; Your brilliant mind, love for children, brilliant teacher, and administrator, master reader, author, et.al. ...like the energizing bunny. It is heartbreaking a person so full of life and love as you, had to depart so soon, but, none of us have that choice, nor know the hour, not even the angels, but, only our Father in Heaven. Rest in Heaven Dear Woman of God. You fought the good fight, you finished your race, and earned your wings. Hope to see you on the other side. Sincerely, Davetta Daniels
Sista Who Walk , we will miss you!
Lind Granderson
February 11, 2018
Lind Granderson
February 11, 2018
I will miss you dearly my dear friend from Sistas Who Walk All of the encouraging conversations on our walks together, you speeding and turning into the parking lot and that beautiful smile. We'll be praying for your family, until we see you again. All glory to God!
Ronald Wilson
February 11, 2018
Rest in peace my friend!
Sylvia Cooper
February 10, 2018
I looked forward to walking with you on Saturdays, we talked about anything and everything. Thank you for your advice and suggestions on writing and publishing my book.
I am glad I met you Phyllis, I learnt a lot from you, you are my role model. I will miss you dearly, Rest In Peace.
Alua Jones
February 10, 2018
She will forever be missed and always have a place in my heart. I love you, Phyllis Hunter.
Reuben and Ruby McDonald
February 10, 2018
I did not know her personally but God said she was an awesome warrior.Will miss her.Fort Bend Member
Angela Oliver
February 10, 2018
I recently met Phyllis in a walking group and enjoyed many conversations with her on politics and social issues. She was a beautiful soul and my life has been enriched from meeting her. I extended my condolences to her family and friends.
Calvin Steward
February 10, 2018
I met you for the first time at my sister-in law house I felt your kindness. I enjoyed hearing about your Barbie doll collection Chranda talked about all the time!! she was your biggest fan smile, Rest in peace we will miss you.
Iris Gutierrez
February 10, 2018
Thank you for recognizing hard work and passion for helping children read. Because of this you gave me one of the most important experiences of my life, going to Washington to meet the soon to be President of the US. You inspired many of us who still today, carry that torch of hope for all children and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Doris Fields
February 9, 2018
Our deepest sympathy
HISD
Chandra Davis Steward
February 9, 2018
Thank you, God for allowing Phyllis and my paths to cross. Although I have only known her for a short time, I will treasure the time that I had with her for the rest of my life. She was a very kind, smart, funny and generous person. Every life touches another life and my life is richer for having known her. Thank you for being my friend, Phyllis. Love you,Chandra
Dale Webster
February 9, 2018
"Good won't do when better is possible." This quote by Phyllis exemplifies her tenacity and commitment to improve reading instruction for all kids in Texas and the US.
You will be very, very missed Phyllis. You are loved and your legacy will live on in the work that will be carried forward by those who you have touched. Heaven got a good one!
Roslyn Moffitt
February 9, 2018
Phyllis,
I have fond memories of you from many years ago as well as the last time I saw you at the Title I Conference. RIH my friend!
Cathie Fisher
February 9, 2018
What an incredible motivator Phyllis Hunter was and continues to be! She presented at a conference a few years ago and her message was funny, fun, serious, grounded, inspirational and truthful. Her words continue to pop into my head and encourage me in my work to bring sound instruction to all children.
Shirley McConico
February 9, 2018
Phyllis Hunter, Your legacy will always be remembered through the lives of the many children and adults your encountered by encouraging and empowering them to read.
Linda Diamond
February 9, 2018
Phyllis was a warrior for children. Her passion for literacy was profound. She will be missed but not forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the countless children who learned to read because of her.
Barbara Conway
February 9, 2018
Phyllis was a great contributor to the field of reading and touched many lives of teachers and students. She will be missed.
Drew Hunter
February 9, 2018
I love you Mom
Drew
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