Beatrice Deford Hunter

Beatrice “Bea” DeFord Hunter, 88, of Jonesboro, was born on February 22, 1920, daughter of Warren Cylvester and Roxie Adkisson DeFord. She departed this life on September 16, 2008.

Bea graduated from Trumann High School as valedictorian and was captain of the basketball team. She loved music, especially country western music. She was a singer and at one time hosted her own radio program in Memphis. She was a backup singer and guitarist for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

In 1941, Bea married Robert Hunter. Blessed with the birth of a daughter, the couple spent 66 years together prior to Mr. Hunter’s death in February, 2008. From the earliest years of their marriage, Bea and her husband were devoted members of First Christian Church in Jonesboro. Bea always taught children at church. For 15 years, Bea and her husband served as youth directors. Most recently, she had served as the adult education teacher.

After her daughter graduated from college, Bea pursued her personal dream and entered Arkansas State University to become a teacher of children with special needs. She graduated magna cum laude and later received a Master of Science in Education degree. Bea had an intense passion for working with children with special needs. Early in her teaching career, Bea saw the need for services for special needs children and was instrumental in seeing that these needs were met in northeast Arkansas as a devoted teacher at the Cottage of Hope.

An avid environmentalist, Bea had planted over 1000 pine trees. She knew the migration patterns of many species of birds, keeping intricate logs on their movement. She was also a published author of genealogy and poetry.

Bea is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy & Allan Port; grandson, Hunter Port; granddaughter, Maggie DeFord Port, all of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by a sister, Nell (Mrs. Jim) Justus, Decatur, Alabama; 5 sisters-in-law, Dorothy Coleman, Connie Berry, May DeFord, Roberta DeFord, Ruby Hunter; brother-in-law, Roy Hunter and his wife, Bonnie; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church with Jerry Wilcox officiating. Burial will follow at Nettleton Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Family members and men of First Christian Church will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

She will be loved and remembered for her compassion, unparalleled friendship, great humor and many accomplishments.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First Christian Church, 901 S. Main St., Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401.