Theresa Eleanor Hunter

Theresa Eleanor Little Hunter departed this life on September 1, 2015, at the age of 90. Born at Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii, on July 9, 1925, she had lived in Williamsburg since January 1976. Theresa (Terry) was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She married the love of her life, Colonel Charles M. Hunter (Chuck), on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1953. Prior to his death in 2013, they enjoyed over 60 wonderful years together. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Colonel Selby F. Little and Anne Eleanor Day Little; and her brother, Colonel Selby F. Little, Jr. Survivors include her son, Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Hunter, Jr. of Palm Coast, FL; her daughter, Colonel Eleanor A. Hunter of Williamsburg, VA; her granddaughter, Shannon B. Hunter of Williamsburg, VA; and her nephews, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert S. Little of Columbia Falls, MT; and Selby F. Little, III, of Reno, NV. Terry was the daughter of a career Army officer and had many happy memories of the various places she lived during her childhood. She was a graduate of George Washington University with a degree in Physical Education. She began her teaching career in 1948 at Falls Church High School in Fairfax, VA. In 1952, she moved to Lawton, OK and worked as a secretary in the Army Artillery School at Fort Sill. She soon met and married Chuck, a career Army Officer. The family moved many times and Terry made each of their houses a warm and loving home. In January 1976, the Hunter family made its final move to Williamsburg. In the years that followed, they established roots deep in the community by joining Bruton Parish Church and many historic preservation and lineage organizations. In the 1980's Terry was elected president of numerous women's groups because she was widely known for always starting and ending meetings on time! On the day it opened in December 1996, Chuck and Terry moved to Patriots Colony at Williamsburg. Terry spent many years of meticulous research to compile a comprehensive written family history. She was most fascinated by the diary accounts of her ancestors crossing the great plains in covered wagons. Chuck was thrilled to meet long-lost relatives in America, England and Ireland. Terry was also an avid reader and bridge player. After retirement, Chuck and Terry became world travelers. Some of their travels were to visit places and meet people that Terry had identified through genealogical research. A special trip began in October 2000 when Terry accompanied their daughter, Eleanor, to Ukraine to adopt a baby. They brought home a beautiful baby girl named Shannon. This precious granddaughter was a great joy in Terry's later life. She and Chuck spent as much time as possible with her and were thrilled when Eleanor and Shannon moved to Williamsburg in 2010. Shannon always brought a smile to Terry's face and a sparkle to her eyes. Terry was blessed with an outgoing and friendly personality and was always gracious to anyone she met. She loved and cared deeply for her family and friends. When Chuck's health began to fail, Terry moved with him to the Patriots Colony Convalescent Center in November 2010. In the years that followed, Terry played cards with friends and enjoyed playing solitaire on her iPad. Outings with Eleanor and Shannon were always a joy. Terry felt fortunate to spend her final years with her husband by her side and her daughter and granddaughter nearby. She will be greatly missed and her love will live in our hearts forever. Terry was a member of Bruton Parish Church and Hickory Neck Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Army Daughters, Colonial Dames XVII Century, Daughters of the American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Women Decedents of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Patriots Colony and the many friends and caregivers who so unselfishly made Terry as comfortable as possible. A special thanks to the congregation of Hickory Neck Episcopal Church for their weekly visits and sharing of Communion. A viewing and memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015. The viewing will be at Nelsen Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service in the Great Hall at Patriots Colony at Williamsburg at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry's memory to Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, 800 Richmond Road, Toano, VA 23168.