Obituary
- Deaconess Effie Ariel Davis Hunter devoted life to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, serving in leadership and ministry roles.
- Retired African American paraprofessional from Effingham County Board of Education in 1991 with 20 years' service.
- Beloved matriarch who cherished family gatherings; survived by children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and extended loved ones.
- Known for hospitality and cooking—especially her famed delectable Chewy Bars—and steadfast daily prayer ministry.
“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
A Time to Be Born: Deaconess Effie Ariel Davis Hunter was born on October 6,1929 to the late Pearl and Pauline Smallwood Davis. She was the youngest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years Dea. Ralph Hunter, Sr. Her only son, Ralph Waldo Hunter three brothers: Peter James Davis, Melton Davis, Pearl Davis, Jr. and three sisters: Rutha Mae Davis Whitaker, Margaret Davis and Elise Davis.
A Time to Live and Serve: Deaconess Effie Hunter joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church to unite with her husband after her home/family church Green Grove Baptist Church closed its doors. “Mother Effie “as she was affectionately called, served her church well. For many years she served as the assistant Chairperson of the Women’s Department., Treasurer of the Deaconess Board, and one of the main cooks of the Kitchen Committee. Whatever work she engaged in, she gave it her all. She never gave up going even when she didn’t feel well, attending Bible Study, Sunday School, church services and business meetings. She served dutifully and faithfully even after her health declined. She started her phone ministry as an exemplar Missions member making wellness checks and just plain conversation.
Deaconess Hunter, one of the first African American Paraprofessionals, retired from the Effingham County Board of Education in 1991with 20 years of service. After retiring she enjoyed gardening alongside her husband. She was a “Great cook” and will forever be remembered for her “delectable Chewy Bars” of which made frequently and shared with family and friends. The Settlement Cookbook tagline “The Way to A Man’s Heart” © 1901 inspired her old school cooking style. She enjoyed embroidery and was an avid reader- reading her Bible and other spiritual works along with “Women’s World” Magazine. She was the mother of True Gospel Community Church Prayer Line getting on each morning at 6:00 a.m. to worship with her new gospel family. She was an honorary member of Clyo Chapter No. 297 Order of the Eastern Star.
A Time to Love and Cherish: There was no greater love for her than the love of family. She enjoyed and cherished the time she spent with her family. She looked forward to weekends and holidays just to have the children and grands gather. She leaves a legacy of love and devotion. Her memory will forever be in the hearts of her three daughters: Beverly (Levan Jr.) Scott, Debra H. Williams and Eledia (Curtis) Peterson, one daughter-in-love Saundra Hunter all of Springfield, GA. Two surrogate daughters/neices: Nicole (Terry) Davis-Edwards, Springfield, GA and Lisa Marshall, Atlanta GA. Two sisters in love Berneta R. Wallace, Guyton, GA. and Rita Hunter, Philadelphia, PA. Nine grandchildren: Alexander (Anita) Williams, Ricky Scott, Randy Scott, Archie Elliott, Katrina Hunter, Alexis Williams, Shawn Hunter, Tiffany Johnson, Terrien Edwards and Telah Edwards. Six great-grandchildren: Andrea, Shawnteria, SSgt Alex Williams, Randy Jamal, Rashad, Roland, Arianna, and Christian.
Her forever loving for-get-me-nots: Millie German, Betty Price-Williams, Lucy Powell, Sheila R. Thompson, LaMeisha Kelly, Diane Rawls Johnson and siblings, Daisy Bell Hunter, Teresa (Fred) Hargrove, Lula Seabrooks, Erica Williams-Brown, Angie Wallace, Selina Lee and Family and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Mama, you taught us everything, except how to live without you.
Thank you for your unconditional love. A job well done!
Public viewing Friday, November 28, 2025 4-7 P.M. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 724 Central Blvd. Guyton. Life Celebration Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 A.M. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association , 801 Central Blvd Guyton. Mother Hunter will lie in state at the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association on Saturday, 10:00 A.M. til hour of service. Final Resting Place Hunter’s Cemetery, Old Louisville Rd., Guyton.
Smalls Funeral Home, Inc. ” Family Serving Families”
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