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Gilbert Hunter Obituary
His mother, father, and two brothers, James "Pee Wee", Hunter and Charles Henry Hunter preceded him in death. His only devoted son, Gilbert Allen Hunter, Jr. passed during this period of bereavement
The funeral service will be observed at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 8, 2007, at Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, preceded by an 11:00 a.m. visitation. Burial takes place at Carolina Biblical Gardens.
During his early years, Gilbert's family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from Washington High School and later became a licensed barber after graduating from Harris Barber College. Gilbert established Hunter's Barber Shop in the Oberlin Community during the early sixties and was the neighborhood barber for many years. He was also a retired City Inspector for the City of Raleigh.
He was instrumental in helping to integrate the public schools in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1961, amid the Civil Rights Movement, Gilbert became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed as Gilbert Hunter et al vs. Raleigh Board of Education. The legal team members were Samuel S. Mitchell and his assistants, George R. Green, Herman L. Taylor and Richard E. Ball.
Gilbert was a people person and attended as many funerals as humanly possible. He would always give candy to the children at Wilson Temple where he attended until his health failed. He always had something jovial to say. To know him was to love him.
He loved music and started a band called "GIB-GILBERT AND THE FOUR NOTES". The band consisted of members namely: Ronald Debnam, Jaycee Lyons, James Brown, Forest Wilson and himself. His band entertained around the City of Raleigh. He will be truly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory are: Hermena Edwards Hunter, former wife; one daughter, Gloria Ann Hunter of Raleigh; one sister, Clarice Cotton (Dave) of Raleigh; three granddaughters, Keishn LaSane, and Tiffany Danielle Jones of Raleigh and Julia Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA; two grandsons, Reginald Devan Jones and Marcus Derrell Jones of Raleigh; nine great-grandchildren, Britney Johnson, Whitney Johnson, Samuel Johnson, John Emory Washington, Hermena Elizabeth Washington, Jeremiah Washington, Catherine Washington, Joshua Washington, and Jaless, Jenene Hairston; nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Haywood Funeral Home, Inc. (919) 832-2835, www.Raywoodfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Hunter
Dora Dunston-Fox
September 2, 2023
Mr Hunter was a dear friend as I grew up and a great and honorable influence as I was growing up. He was a very kind gentleman. GOD rest his soul.
Deborah Blount
September 26, 2007
Gloria, Ms. Hermena and Ms. Clarice,
I wanted to express my sympathy to you all at this very difficult time. Whenever I went to Pettiford's Beauty Salon, I can remember such fond memories of Mr. Hunter, our neighborhood barber. What a dynamic duo they were! Mr. Hunter had such a wonderful spirit! Although I have moved from Oberlin, I will always carry the Spirit of Oberlin with me. May God keep you in His warm embrace! When we all meet Gilbert and my father in that Beautiful Place, there will be no more sorrow, no more brokenness and no more pain. Joy will be the order of the day! There will be rejoicing and singing!
I will keep you in my prayers and in my thoughts!
Much love,
Deb
Deborah Blount
September 26, 2007
Gloria, Ms. Hermena and Ms. Clarice,
Quite a few of my family members went home to be with the Lord in 2006. My father, sister-in-law and my Aunt Mary Lee all passed away in a seven week period. Three other family members passed away in 2006 as well. The thing that got me through that very difficult year was the knowledge that they are all in a better place. My memories sustained me and your memories will strengthen you as well. Just remember that this was not goodbye, just farewell! Be secure in the knowledge that you will be together again and there will be joy for all times. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts. We had some great times in Oberlin. Although I no longer live in Oberlin, Oberlin will always be in my heart. Be strong! God is only a whisper away!
Peace in Christ,
Deborah A. Blount
Anita Chesney
September 22, 2007
We are deeply saddened by your loss and pray that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Anita Miller Chesney and Julia Huggins
tia L.
September 20, 2007
Dear family,
My condolences to the family. It's always hard when a loved one is lost in death. Remember though, that "Jehovah God is near to those broken at heart" (Psalms 34:18)and he will help you get through this difficult time.
Burma Paige-Stokes
September 12, 2007
Gloria and Ms. Hermena:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your loved ones. I know that you are both strong,God loving women, and He will carry you through this loss. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Peace
Be Still.
Burma Paige-Stokes
Brenda Rand-Davis
September 12, 2007
Mrs. Hermena and Gloria,
My heartfelt prayers are with you and the family at this time. It is never easy and I can only imagine a part of what you are feeling...but we know that God knows best and we all trust in his power and mercy.
Please know that you are loved and in our thoughts.
Diane Moon
September 12, 2007
Hermena and Gloria, I can feel your pain having lost two special love ones in your life so close together. I suffered a similar loss in 2000 losing my loving mother and brother about a month apart. So my heart go out to you both but especially to Hermena, there is no pain like loosing a child. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you both strong on the journey ahead.
cheryl jones
September 12, 2007
Aunt Mena and Gloria,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you both are feeling to have lost two people close to you days apart. I am trying to keep the tears back, you know thinking about brother. If you need anything, call me. I am hear for you both. Love you.
Cheryl and the girls.
Sandra L. Carson
September 12, 2007
Miss Hermena and to by dear friend Gloria, it is hard to try to express my heartfelt sympathy to you both because Dennie was like a brother to me. Please know that I am here for you and to help out in any way that you need me.
Love to you both.
Delores Annette Jenkins Moses
September 11, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember all the good times together on Chester Road. As kids, my sisters, brothers and I always called him "Denny." Also, your dad was the first one to cut my long hair and he did not want to do it. I will keep you in my prayers.
Deacon Percy & Melody Smith
September 11, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
- Xavier
September 10, 2007
Uncle Gilbert,
Without you, the quality of my life would have been very different and I will never forget you for that. I never got the opportunity to tell you thank you or you how much I loved you or to say good-bye. After my father died, it was you who bought me my first bicycle and patiently taught me how to ride it. It was your smiling face that was in the audience on my graduation day. My heart is truly broken, but I know that you are in a better place without pain or suffering. My love and sympathies go out to Gloria, Aunt Hermena and Aunt Clarice and all of the family for its double loss.
With love,
Delores and Willie Hinton
September 10, 2007
To Gloria, Hermena, Glenda and the entire Hunter Family. Our deepest condolences are extended to you at your time of double loss. You have done well with what was needed to be done for each of them. Now we step aside and let GOD Have His Way. They are now at PEACE at LAST!. This is so good to know. We will all meet again someday! CONTINUE TO BE STRONG!!
Sarah Baskerville & Family
September 8, 2007
Our deepest condolences to the Hunter family & friends. I pray that God will grant each and everyone of you His peace. Gilbert was one of the nicest people I have ever known, always greeting you with a smile. May memories always be fond and sweet.
Alice Patricia Dunn Dalton
September 7, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roger Hinton
September 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bobby Bost
September 7, 2007
To the Hunter Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy. Loosing two from the same family within a short time is very difficult. Place you trust in God and he will bear your burdens and carry you thorough.
Bobby Bost, Cedric Bost and Alice Watson. May Godd Bless you.
Delores and Willie E. Hinton
September 7, 2007
To my Loving Hunter Family. My deepest condolence to for your the loss of your love ones. Know that I feel your sorrow as they were my family membrs also. May GOD give you strength during this time and the Blessed Assurancethat when this is behind you, that HE Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You. HE Will Always Be By Your Side. You are STRONG people and You will GO Through. I am a Witness.. Continue to stand on GOD's Promises.
Barbara Scott Akinwole
September 7, 2007
To Gloria and the entire Hunter family. Please accept our sincere sympathy. We will always cherish our memory of Gilbert. He was a great person to know, always jovial and full of energy. We had some "fun" times in Oberlin.
--Minnie Scott, Barbara Scott Akinwole, Lillian Scott Lee, and Roosevelt Scott, Jr.
Diane Moon
September 7, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family, especially to his daughter, Gloria, whom I know very well and is a wonderful, fun loving person. May the spirit of the Lord get you through this time of bereavment. Love Diane Moon
Alfonza and Delonia Alston
September 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dorothy Thompson
September 7, 2007
I am truly sorry for your lose. Take all things to God in prayer.
Venita Peyton
September 7, 2007
Gilbert was one of the most easy going, dependable friends one could have at Raleigh City Hall. His huge heart and willingness to help others will be sorely missed.
Deacon Percy & Melody Smith
September 7, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
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