Iola Pugh Hunter Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6–7 Iola Pugh-Hunter, a native of Paincourtville, LA, and a resident of New Orleans, LA, transitioned to her heavenly home on September 26, 2025, at the age of 83. Sister Iola was born on May 26, 1942, to the union of the late Theophus Pugh and the late Lizzie W. Pugh in Paincourtville, LA. At an early age, she stepped out on faith and confessed her belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at St. Charles Baptist Church in Paincourtville, LA, by the late Reverend Percy E. Truehill. Sister Hunter maintained her commitment to the church, even after moving to New Orleans. She was a devoted member and supporter of her church and its ministries. She served faithfully as a deaconess at Second Mount Everest Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA. The Sunday School and Prayer Band were close to the heart of Sister Hunter; but she supported all programs of the church. Her educational journey began in the Assumption Parish School System, where she completed both her elementary and secondary education. She later attended Straight Business College, formerly known as Straight University. Sister Iola leaves to cherish her memory: her sisters, Leola Pugh Brown and Rosa Pugh-Jones (Willie); her godchild, Dr. Rashaad Pugh-Jones, a very special cousin, Patricia Jones, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon Levin Hunter; her parents, Theophus and Lizzie Pugh; her brothers, Theophus, Martin, Curtis, Leroy, John, and Larry; her sisters, Verda, Bernice, and Linnie; and her niece and nephew, Courtney (her godchild) and Quincy Brown. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Second Mount Everest Baptist Church, 2528 First Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am until 11:00am. Internment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences with the family. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38–39