Helene P. Hunt

Helene P. Hunt, born in Groveland, Tenn. to Charles Dee Park and Maudie Denham Park as a 3 1/2 lb premie, died peacefully at home on April 18 at the age of 104. Growing up in Columbia, Tn. she attended high school there and began studies at Columbia Institute. She married Marquis M. Hunt Jr. of RiverView, AL on Sept 1, 1935, at Pleasant Mount Church (Mt. Pleasant, Tn). Their partnership in love and work lasted 74 years until his death in 2009. She is survived by daughters Marlene Hunt Rikard of Birmingham and Pamela Hunt Snellgrove (Wayne) of LaGrange, Ga., grandsons Mark Rikard, Scott Rikard (Kellie), Jeff Snellgrove (Jennifer), and Eric Snellgrove (Julie); and six great grandchildren: Jackson, Calista, Gracie, Levi, Sasha, and Faith Snellgrove. She was receded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Carlton Park, and several cousins.

After moving around the Southeast as Marquis (Buddy), a landscape architect, worked with the U.S. Park Service and other government agencies, the family moved to Birmingham in 1946. Both worked for Fraser Nursery until they established Landscape Services in 1955, which they sold upon retirement. She had an extensive knowledge of plants and particularly loved wildflowers. They enjoyed rock hunting and traveled Alabama and the Southwest on their expeditions. She was a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church. The family appreciates the care given to her in her last years by a group of dedicated caregivers and her church friends.

Services will be at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel, Sat. April 20, visitation at 1:00, service at 2:00, followed by graveside service and reception at Rideout's. The Rev. Keith Hinson will officiate. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Pleasant Mount Church Foundation, 1620 Fountain Heights Road, Columbia, TN 38401.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Hunt family.