Mrs. Martha Sue Braswell Hunter, 83, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020, in Valdosta, Ga. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 29, at Cherry Lake United Methodist Church.
She was born on Feb. 19, 1937, in Greenville, Fla. to Rachel Sloan Braswell and Charles William Braswell. She attended Greenville High School and graduated in 1955 as salutatorian. After graduation, Sue attended Girls State in Tallahassee, Fla. Upon college graduation, she embarked on her lifelong career as a cosmetologist. She proudly owned and operated Sue's Beauty Shop in Cherry Lake, Fla. Sue was privileged to serve multiple generations of families who fondly remember her to this day.
On Jan. 1, 1958, Sue married her husband, Jim Hunter, Sr. They were blessed to have 62 wonderful years together and throughout these years, their marriage has been a living example of what marriages should be.
Sue was a faithful member of Cherry Lake United Methodist Church and served in numerous positions over the years. She was an active member of United Methodist Women and enjoyed serving others throughout the community. Sue and Jim were dedicated volunteers and spent many hours at the United Methodist Thrift Store.
Sue enjoyed many hobbies, but some of her favorites included sewing, gardening and entertaining her family and friends. She was the family seamstress for her siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years and skillfully made many outfits, costumes and even her only granddaughter's wedding dress. "Merna" loved spending time outside in her yard tending to her many flowers, especially when preparing for the annual Easter celebration, "Bunnyville".
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Hunter, Sr., of Cherry Lake, Fla.; two sons: Jim "Jimmy" Hunter, Jr. and Richard (Renee) Hunter, also of Cherry Lake. Merna was blessed with one granddaughter and four grandsons: Lindsey (Mike) Lawson; Lee (Brittany) Hunter; Kyle (Nikki) Hunter; Jason (Rebecca) Hunter; and Kitt (Kai) Hunter. Merna was overjoyed to later be blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Dilan and Thad Lawson; Jett Hunter; Bentley Logan; and Sadie Hunter (due May 2020); Abby, Sidney and Jacob Hunter; and Ethan and Vivian Hunter. Sue is also survived by her siblings: Paul (Kathleen) Braswell; Jane (Ken) Wells; Steve Braswell; Kathy (Lowell) Hidy, sister-in-law; Opal Braswell, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Billy (Georgia) Braswell; Gordon (Rachael) Braswell; Bobby Braswell; and sister-in-law, Beverly Braswell.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The United Methodist Youth Ranch or the Cherry Lake Methodist Church building fund.