Frances Campbell Hunt

1943 - 2025

Frances (Duden) Campbell Hunt

March 17, 1943 - August 22, 2025

Wilmington, North Carolina - Frances (Duden) Campbell Hunt went to be with her heavenly Father early on the morning of Friday, August 22, 2025, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 82 years old.

Born on March 17, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, Duden was the daughter of Eleanor and Harold Campbell, a career Naval officer. Her father's military service meant a childhood spent moving around, living in Charleston, SC, Virginia Beach, VA, and Alexandria, VA. Duden fondly recalled her time as a "tomboy," climbing trees, running outside, and enjoying the beach with her father before his unexpected passing when she was just 11 years old.

Duden began her college journey in 1961 at Longwood College in Farmville, VA, where she met her future husband, Neal Hunt, who attended nearby Hampden-Sydney College. They were married in 1964, and shortly thereafter, Duden and Neal embarked on a journey that would span over six decades. They first lived in Henderson, NC, before moving to Philadelphia, where Neal pursued an MBA at Wharton. During this time, Duden worked for the U.S. government at the Department of Interior, supporting the family. Duden and Neal settled their family in Raleigh, NC, where they would live for the next 57 years.

Duden was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and Neal raised two children, Eleanor and Kemp, and built a life filled with love, friendship, and community. Duden was a woman of remarkable strength, grace, and kindness. She excelled in her career in real estate and was an integral part of the Hunt Properties, Inc. office. But more than anything, she was known for her loving nature and her ability to make everyone around her feel special. She was an artist at heart, with a passion for painting, especially watercolors, and many of her works continue to adorn the homes of family and friends.

In addition to her artistic talents, Duden's faith was at the core of her life. As a Christian, she openly professed her love for the Lord, though always with humility. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her illness, and she remained a sweet and gentle soul even in her final years. Not once did she become frustrated or angry, even in the face of the challenges brought on by Alzheimer's.

Duden was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Eleanor Campbell; her brothers-in-law, Skellie Hunt and Petey Peters; and her sister-in-law, Sally Hunt.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Neal Hunt; her two children, Eleanor Scott Hunt and Kemp Neal Hunt, Jr. (Holly); her two beloved grandchildren, Sarah Frances and Meredith Hunt; her sisters, Eleanor (Pinky) Peters and Anne Gruner (Jerry); her brother-in-law, Hall Hunt (Helen); her sister-in-law, Patty Hunt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A memorial service to celebrate Duden's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 9th at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, NC. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now with the Lord she so dearly loved, and they look forward to the day they will see her again in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 100 E. Peace St. Raleigh, NC 27604.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh, are serving the Hunt family.