Martha Williford Hunter

Mrs. Martha Williford Hunter passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024. She was 85 years old.

Martha was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on March 14, 1939 to Oscar and Floris Williford, however they moved to Georgia when she was three. She grew up on North Avenue in Atlanta. Her family attended Kirkwood Baptist Church where she met Mike Hunter as a young girl. They were smitten and began their childhood romance when she was 13 and he was 16. They never faltered and continued to be sweethearts throughout their lives.

She went to Bass High School where she was a cheerleader for a not so great football team, however, she developed a skill for encouraging others that she used her entire life. Following high school, she attended Mercer University in Macon, GA, but her true love lived in Auburn, AL and when he graduated, they married and went into the Air Force. They were married for 65 years.

After several moves, the couple left the Air Force and built their home in Decatur, where they were members of the Briarcliff Baptist church for many years. They had 1 son and 2 daughters during this time. Mike started and ran a successful highway construction business, while Martha stayed home with the children. This required her to wear many hats, as every mother does. As the children grew, she also grew into her role as Grandma to 9 grandchildren. Her love of family was her greatest accomplishment.

Martha had the gift of hospitality. It was her joy to host groups at their mountain home, Cloudwood Farm. A peaceful environment was important to her. Meaningful details were a part of all of her places. From colors to books to décor, she loved to create beautiful spaces. She invited everyone to feast at her table on both wonderful food she cooked and fellowship she cultivated. Between retreats, book clubs, holidays, teas, showers, and family gatherings she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She invited them not only into her home but also into her heart.

Martha was a seeker of God. She continually dug for deeper truth and encouraged those around her to do so as well. She took every college class she could in spiritual formation and was one language class shy of a degree in religion. Once Mike and Martha retired to their mountain home in Rabun County, they attended Grace Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville, GA. She was part of the committee that designed and built the labyrinth for the church. Her love of God was evident in the classes she took including Education for Ministry from University of the South, as well as the classes she taught, the groups she was a part of, the retreats she led, and in her service on the Altar Guild. When they moved to Highlands, NC, she continued her service to others as a Stephen Minister at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. She also organized and coordinated a Taize service for local churches during that time.

Survivors include her husband, Johnny Michael Hunter of Gainesville, GA; son, Mike Hunter of Atlanta, GA; granddaughter, Liane St. Clair and husband Ben of Atlanta, GA; grandson, David Hunter and partner, E.J. of Orlando, FL; granddaughter, Kara Hunter of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Michelle Gunnin and husband Bill of Cleveland, GA; granddaughter Hannah Gunnin Dunn and husband Jimmy of Seattle, WA; grandson, Aaron Gunnin of Charlotte, NC; grandson, William Gunnin of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Peter Gunnin and wife, Adey of Monroe, GA; great-grandson, Shepherd Gunnin of Monroe, GA; daughter Melinda Jenkins and husband, Steve of Salem, SC; granddaughter, Sarah Clarke and husband, Ryan of Greenville, SC; grandson, James Jenkins and wife, Erin of Carlsbad, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Floris Williford and her sister, Betty Williford.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Calvary Episcopal Church, 260 E. Green Street in Clarkesville, GA, on July 26, 2024, with Rev. Dena Whalen presiding. Visitation to receive friends and loved ones will be one hour prior to the service at 11:00 am on the church grounds at Saint Julian Hall. The Memorial service will begin at 12:00 pm. Flowers may be sent to Grace Calvary and donations in her memory may be sent the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.