Isaiah Charles Hunter

Isaiah Charles Hunter born on November 29, 1975, in Plainfield, New Jersey to James E. Lockley Jr. and Gloria Hunter. Isaiah was a man of humility, strength, and quiet wisdom. He found joy in life's simple but powerful things-family, music, faith, and knowledge. He had a soul that resonated with rhythm and love. When he was feeling down or missing loved ones, he found comfort in music, especially Teena Marie's "I Need Your Lovin" and "Square Biz." He loved listening to R&B, Hip Hop, and Slow jams. There was not a sport he did not follow or a political topic he would not discuss. Isaiah was knowledgeable and always kept his partner Michelle up to date on the news of the day. He loved learning and sharing what he knew.
His love for family was deeply rooted in his upbringing at 811, where bonds were formed, memories were made, and the foundation of who he was began. That sense of family, his faith in God, and his enduring resilience carried him through life with grace and determination.
He received his GED in 2014, an accomplishment he was incredibly proud of. He was passionate about encouraging young people to pursue education and reach for more. One of Isaiah's favorite scriptures was Psalm 4:8, which brought him peace: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Over the years, Isaiah worked in a variety of roles that reflected both his dedication and skill, including positions at Coury's Auto Shop, US Foods, Comtel Communications, and Rock Restoration (WATTS), where he took great pride in working alongside family.
Affectionately known as "Al-Wow" lived in Hillsborough, New Jersey, with Michelle Suddoth, his devoted partner of 8 years. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, sharing life with their beloved dogs, Lexi and Panda, and their blended family.
He was a proud and dedicated father to Willie Alford, Mahsiah Waites, Akurah Murrell, and Iza'jah Murkey, and a joyful grandfather to Kamden Alford, Jordan Alford, A'mavi Murkey, A'mani Murkey, Azelliya McGill, Azuree Murrell, Aziyah Brown, and Azeem Brown. "Al-Wow" was deeply connected to each of them and often spoke of the love he had for his family. Isaiah also embraced his bonus children as his own: Myasia Suddoth, Rafaella Lebron, and their children, Ezra Stevenson, and Ariyon Bailey, who knew his warmth and wisdom firsthand.
Isaiah is survived by his brother, Matthew Hammond; sisters, Sally Tammie (Peter) Jones and Elizabeth Shakena (Brian) Young; his special niece, Idalis Young; and his nephew, Dylan (AZ) Johnson. He leaves behind the Lockley and Hunter families and a loving network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James E. Lockley Jr., and Gloria Hunter along with his grandparents, James and Elizabeth Lockley Sr., and Thomas and Ruth Hunter, who helped build the legacy he carried forward.
His laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love will echo in the lives of all blessed to walk beside Him. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Rest peacefully, Isaiah, you were deeply loved, and your legacy lives on.
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