Lodema Tuck Hunt was born in Pittsylvania County, VA, just northwest of Gretna. She was the seventh of eight children born to Morman and Sallie Tuck. Buford, her future husband, lived in nearby Pittsville, and his mom loved Lodema like a daughter.
They married in 1943 during the war effort and she followed him through his training with the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a P-51 fighter pilot in China with General Chennault's Flying Tigers until the conclusion of the war.
The couple moved to Raleigh in 1949 to start Hunt General Tire Company which experienced many decades of growth and success. During their marriage, they traveled all over the world with close friends and frequented their beach home.
Mom was a fantastic homemaker and wonderful cook. Whether it was meats, vegetables, desserts, it did not matter. She could lay it on the line! Her sauerkraut balls and custard were legendary Christmas treats for her family, and a friend once said that her butterscotch pie could bring peace to the Middle East!
"Dema", as she was called by her relatives and friends, loved seeing people when she was out and about or when they came to visit her. She was truly a people person with a wonderful personality.
Mom loved to read the Bible, knit, play crosswords, shop, go out for lunch, and watch golf tournaments and Wolfpack sports on TV. She was a busy woman!
Upon retirement she and Dad primarily resided in Raleigh as they watched their grandchildren grow. Blessed that most of the family resided in the area, they were able to see them often. She was affectionately known as "Nana" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a role she truly loved. She also enjoyed wonderful times with her sisters, Doris, Louise ,and Jean along with her brother Clyde.
As Mom and Dad became less mobile, they were blessed and thankful for the television ministry of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. This was of great encouragement especially for Mom when she became a widow in 2013 after almost 70 years of marriage.
When Dad's health was failing, a new person came into their lives to help during that process. Pam became a wonderful asset to both and then a special friend to Mom after Dad died. She was willing to assist Mom in any way possible like our cousin, Pat. Both ladies along with Becky's support in the home, went a long way to improve Mom's quality of life. For that, the family will always be grateful.
Mom is survived by her sister Jean Willis of Emporia, VA, daughter Becky, and son Keith (Lynne). Her four grandchildren Laura, Amy, Jon (Rachel), Will (Lisa) and six great-grand children Tommy, Joey, Gabriel, Jules, Ellie, and Lorenz also remain. There are many special nieces and nephews that kindly remembered her over the years whom she greatly loved and appreciated.
Visitation will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park Chapel located at 7501 Glenwood Avenue on Friday, January 28th at 1 pm with memorial services conducted by Dr. David Hailey at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to: Hayes Barton Broadcast Ministry (1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608) or Children's Home Society of NC (Attn: Accounting, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415)
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