Lois Marie Hunt

Lois Marie Deary Hunt, born March 11, 1941 in Taylor, Texas, was the only child of Sterling Deary and Rosalie Ammons. While residing in Taylor, she graduated from O.L. Price High School. She then moved to Austin, Texas to attend The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. In the Fall of 1962 while at UT, she was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She remained in Austin to raise her family and married Alfred Lee Henry Hunt on July 11, 1969.

Lois deeply loved God! As a child, she joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Taylor. She became a member of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Austin. As a young adult, Lois committed her life to serving others and being a servant-leader. Some activities that she was involved in were: teaching Sunday School, working with mission groups, directing and playing for the Children’s Choir, mentoring other women in the church, and being the Budget Director on the Finance Committee. Pastor Parker honored Lois by creating the first ever position of Women’s Enrichment Ministry Director and naming her as the first director. She used this position to respond to the needs of David Chapel women by finding resources for them and developing appropriate programs to promote their spiritual growth. Lois was willing to serve wherever needed and worked tirelessly to meet the needs of her church and community at-large.

Lois’s work life and personal life were defined by a profound commitment to service. She worked as a Senior Equal Employment Opportunity Officer of the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) for over 30 years. During her tenure at the VA, she became a Founding Gold Plus Life Member with the Austin Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG). In BIG, she was dedicated to promoting equal opportunity and advancement for African Americans and other minorities employed in federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, Lois was a Life Member of the Austin Chapter of Federally Employed Women (FEW), where she worked tirelessly to address the rights and needs of women in the federal workforce. She served as Chapter President and Regional Director of the Southwest FEW. Lois left an indelible mark on both organizations, serving in numerous key roles at the local, regional, and national levels.

In 1989, Lois was inducted into the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD), an organization focused on community betterment and service. Lady Lois served faithfully in many elected and appointed positions at the local, regional, and national levels. She was the Capital City Chapter President (1995-1999); National Corresponding Secretary (1999-2001); National Recording Secretary (2001-2003); National Area One Director (2013-2015); and was awarded Capital City Chapter Top Lady of the Year (1992-1993). Lady Lois was recently honored at the Capital City Chapter TLOD 2023 Founders’ Day Ceremony and luncheon.

Lois will be especially remembered for her devotion to her family. She took great care of her mother and did so especially when her mom's health began to fail. When Al was overseas serving in the U.S. Army, she would always send care packages to him and his platoon. She never missed any of her son's activities - Michael's basketball games, Vaughn's football games, and Terry's high school musicals. As her grandkids were born, she continued attending as many of their school and community activities as she could often traveling extensively to support them. Lois enjoyed being with her extended family also. The Hunt home was the gathering place for Easter egg hunts, Fourth of July picnics, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and so on. At the family annual Christmas Eve parties, she could always be counted on to make everyone sing carols while she played along on her piano. She also never failed to help plan and pull off the Edwards' Family Reunions. Lois will be remembered for her ready smile, quick wit, and love for fashion.

Lois was a spiritual woman who loved singing, playing gospel songs, and reading works by spiritual leaders. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband. Lois delighted in showing family and friends her pictures of Hawaii and other places they visited. In addition, Lois cherished and was loyal to her friends. Her high school classmates and friends from Taylor were a special source of great joy for her. Her face would light up whenever they showed up at her home. Lois very rarely asked anyone for help, preferring to take care of things herself and not wanting to bother others. When those who know Lois reminisce about her, they will talk about her compassion for others, how she never met a stranger, and her willingness to give generously to anyone in need. She was just an incredibly special person!

Lois will be missed immensely. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Alfred; their sons, Michael Deary (Robin), Vaughn Deary (Kim), Terrance Deary (Cathleen); grandchildren, Ashton, Vanessa, Ashley Bowie (Ryan), Langston (Khaila), Trevor, Sterling, Bryce, and Ariel Crawley; four great grandchildren; her “sister” cousin, Vivian; adored friends, Kathy Black and Roye Reeves; and, many other family and friends.

As we remember Lois, let us celebrate her for being a beacon of inspiration and the embodiment of love.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Hunt family.