Deborah J. Gunter

Deborah Jean Gunter
Died March 4, 2024
PESHAWBESTOWN- Deborah Jean Gunter, 68, of Peshawbestown, passed away on March 4, 2024.
Deb was born on July 14, 1955, in Northport, Michigan, to Carl and Julia (Mashka) Raphael. She graduated from Bay Mills Community College with an associate degree. Deb met her husband, Jessie W. Gunter Jr., in Port Huron, Michigan, 42 years ago, and the two married on November 26, 2019, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Deb had a passion for travel and explored the United States extensively with Jessie, embarking on memorable road trips to New Orleans, Atlanta, and Tennessee. She also enjoyed spending time at the casino and had a fondness for shopping, whether online or browsing the aisles of Walmart for hours on end. Deb had a special affinity for monkeys and adorned her life with pictures, stuffed animals, and stickers featuring her favorite creatures.
Despite facing challenges, Deb exhibited remarkable strength and resilience. Her wheelchair never hindered her zest for life, and she lived it on her terms. She was a devoted and caring mother and grandmother, always ready to go above and beyond for her loved ones.
Deb is survived by her loving husband, Jessie W. Gunter Jr.; her children Curtis "Sonny Boy" White, Shalarry Fortenberry, Duane (Shamika) Fortenberry and her step-daughter Jessica Phillips; 24 grandchildren; and her siblings Rosemary Raphael, Duke Raphael, Paul (Tanya) Raphael, and Robbin Raphael, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her children Charlene Raphael, Tyrone Raphael, and Yusheka Raphael, and her siblings Carl Raphael Jr., Duane Raphael, Wanda Raphael, and Peggy Rocha.
Visitation will be held from now until the funeral service at the residence of Rob and Anna.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at The Strongheart Center in Peshawbestown, with the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Paul Raphael will officiate.
Burial will be held at a later date in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.