Nedra Irene Gunter

Nedra Irene Gunter, born March 31, 1941, in Pineville, Louisiana to Taft and Hazel Gordon, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Nedra married A.W. White, who preceded her in death on January 23, 1975. Together, they raised two daughters: Gayla Marlene White Dobrinick (preceded her in death on December 18, 2022) and Sonja Lynette White Hickingbottom. On December 18, 1976, she married her loving husband, Johnny Gunter, who survives her. They shared 48 years of marriage.

Nedra worked tirelessly to create a better life for herself and her family. She put herself through school, earning her Bachelor of Science from Louisiana College on May 19, 1973, and her Master of Education from Northeast Louisiana University on August 12, 1977. She was deeply proud of these achievements, which reflected her perseverance and determination.

Nedra dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten at Georgia Tucker Elementary, where she poured her energy into her students until her retirement. She was nominated for Teacher of the Year twice during her career, a recognition of the dedication and passion she brought to her classroom. She left a lasting impact on countless young lives and was respected by colleagues and families alike for her devotion to education.

She was a woman of resilience, strength, and determination. She showed her love in quiet but meaningful ways: her hard work, devotion to family, and the traditions she created, like Sunday meals at Nana and Papaw’s, birthday outings, and holidays together.

Nedra was also a talented seamstress, known for creating beautiful dresses and costumes for her grandchildren. She leaves behind her grandchildren Hanna (Josh) Rux, Alycia (Neil) Reitenbach, Sabrina (PJ) Hilbert, Sara (Dolph) Minard, and Katie Hickingbottom; as well as her step-grandchildren Amber Stuart, Dustyn Watson, and Dylan Watson. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren with two more on the way, who will carry on her legacy. To them, she was known simply as “Nana,” a name that carried love, strength, and comfort.

Nedra was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jarrell, Kenneth, Calvit, Ronnie, and Eldon; her daughter, Gayla; and her stepdaughter, Carol Gunter. She is survived by her daughter, Sonja; sons-in-law, Chuck Dobrinick and Kenneth Hickingbottom; her brothers, David and Barry Gordon; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Azalea Estates Assisted Living and Elara Caring for their kindness and care in her final years.

Services to honor Nedra’s life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Parkview Baptist Chapel in Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Nedra’s honor to a charity of your choice.