Barbara Hunter

With love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved mother, Barbara Hill Hunter, who entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of family and the grace of God. Barbara was born on August 19, 1946, in Concord, GA, to the late Bobby Hill and Mother Mollie Marie Holland Goines. From the very beginning, she carried a spirit of strength, faith, compassion, and love that touched everyone blessed to know her. Later, Barbara moved to Woodville, MS, where she accepted Christ at a young age, joined Saint Matthew's Baptist Church, and began the faithful walk with God that would define her entire life. She was baptized in a pond on her grandparents’ (Turner and Susie Holland) land — a beautiful expression of the deep faith and devotion she carried in her heart for the Lord. Throughout her life, Barbara lovingly referred to God as “Daddy,” trusting Him completely through every joy and every storm. Barbara attended and graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School. She later attended Southern University at New Orleans, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and discovered her passion for speech therapy, education, and drama. She later earned a Master’s degree in Reading from Xavier University of Louisiana. Her love for helping others communicate and express themselves reflected the compassion, creativity, and warmth that defined her life. While at SUNO, Barbara portrayed Weedy Warren in the stage production The Sty of the Blind Pig, a role she often laughed about because of the amount of makeup required to make her appear “old.” Her humor, storytelling, and ability to fully embrace every character made her unforgettable on stage. Barbara dedicated many years to education and service through the New Orleans Public Schools as a speech therapist. She faithfully served students at Sophie B. Wright Middle School, Rosenwald Elementary School, Live Oak School, and Landry High School, where she touched countless young lives through her patience, compassion, and dedication to helping students find their voices and confidence. She also served as a Reading Specialist at Holy Cross School, where her passion for literacy and learning continued to inspire students and fellow educators alike. Barbara joined the Dashiki Acting Group, where her vibrant spirit and love for the arts truly shined. She was an original “Colored Girl” in the stage production For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf and was known as “The Lady in Purple,” a role that left a lasting impression on many. She also performed in the stage play Nevis Mountain Dew, further showcasing her talent, creativity, and passion for the performing arts. Barbara proudly participated in Dashiki’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2018, honoring the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the organization that helped shape her love for theater and storytelling. While attending SUNO, Barbara met the love of her life, the late William “Bill” Hunter. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children, whom she loved deeply and devoted herself to wholeheartedly. After becoming a mother, Barbara made the decision to step away from secular acting roles to devote herself fully to her children, her faith, and work that glorified God. She began writing inspirational plays and powerful one-woman shows that reflected her love for the Lord and her passion for uplifting others through storytelling. Among her most memorable performances was her portrayal and impression of Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and a Preacher’s Wife, which beautifully captured grace, strength, intelligence, and dignity — qualities Barbara herself embodied. Barbara faithfully performed at her home church and churches throughout the community, using her gifts to minister, inspire, and bring joy to others. She was also a devoted Sunday School teacher who loved sharing God’s Word and encouraging others in their faith journey. She was also a proud member of the Asbury Christian Thespians, where she combined her love for ministry and theater in service to God. Her final major stage performance came in 2018 at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré in the stage production Crowns, where she portrayed Velma — a sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and audacious woman known for her sass, powerful vocals, and unforgettable presence. The role reflected Barbara’s incredible charisma, humor, talent, and commanding stage presence that audiences loved throughout her life. Barbara’s ministry extended far beyond the stage. She was a devoted member of the Ministers’ Wives Association and the Precious Gems mentoring group, both under the Rising Son Association, where she poured wisdom, encouragement, faith, and love into the lives of others. Through Precious Gems, she especially enjoyed mentoring young girls and helping them recognize their beauty, purpose, and value in God’s eyes. Barbara also actively participated in the Family and Friends Players organization, founded by the late Marion Hymes. The organization’s mission was to educate, entertain, and increase awareness of Black history through faith, storytelling, music, and theatrical performances. Their leading song was Through It All, a fitting reflection of Barbara’s own testimony of faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Barbara later served as the Artistic Director of the Family and Friends Players organization under the leadership of the late Katy Bell, where she brought joy, inspiration, laughter, and encouragement to countless families and communities through ministry and performance. She often served as a narrator in productions and was especially known for her powerful one-woman portrayals that captivated audiences and brought stories to life with passion, wisdom, humor, and grace. In addition, she faithfully served as the Vice-President of the Vineyard Ministry Prayer Band, where she continued her lifelong commitment to prayer, ministry, and encouraging others in their walk with God. Barbara was more than a mother — she was the foundation of her family, a praying woman, a source of wisdom, comfort, and unwavering love. She always spoke life and possibility into each of her children, recognizing their individual strengths long before they could fully see them themselves. To her oldest daughter, Estelle, she knew she could always call for exercise and wellness advice and to celebrate the small things — or as she lovingly called it, to “bugaloo the small stuff.” To her only son, Scott, she knew he would always spoil her, protect her, and treat her like a queen. To her youngest daughter, Christiana, she cherished the role of fun-loving caretaker, girlfriend, and bestie. For her beloved grandchildren, Joe and Jada, Barbara encouraged curiosity, imagination, and joy in the simple things. She loved watching them explore the backyard, dig in the dirt, enjoy the outdoors, and listen to stories about her upbringing in Mississippi. Her presence filled every room with warmth, encouragement, laughter, wisdom, and grace. Barbara deeply loved her family and especially cherished the bond she shared with her cousins and her only living aunt. Family meant everything to her, and she treasured every gathering, conversation, memory, and moment spent with those she loved. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Estelle Hunter-Moody (Maurice), Scott Hunter (Adaora), and Christiana Hunter; two beloved grandchildren, Joe and Jada Moody; one cherished aunt, Celeste Holland; step-brothers, Gilford Goines, Nathaniel Goines Jr., and Dwight Goines; one step-sister, Beverly Goines; one brother-in-law, Leonard Hunter; sisters-in-law, Ann Hunter and Anna Hunter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late William “Bill” Hunter; and her parents, Bobby Hill and Mollie Holland Goines. Although our hearts miss her deeply, we find peace in knowing she is now resting safely in the arms of her Heavenly Father, free from pain and surrounded by eternal peace. As she would lovingly say, she was ready to “rest on her Daddy’s bosom.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at First Mission Baptist Church, 3836 River Road, Jefferson, LA 70121 on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am. Internment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. A repast will follow at The American Legion Hall, 3001 RiverRoad, Jefferson, LA 70121. Please have floral arrangements sent to the church.

Barbara Hunter

May 5, 2026