Known as “Liz” to family & friends, she led a selfless and significant life, bringing much joy to those who were blessed to know her. She was the youngest of six children, born Elizabeth M. Freeman in LaGrange, GA on April 15, 1926 to Thomas Freeman and Everette Jenkins.
A graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, Elizabeth became a Research Biologist at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, where she enjoyed a 37 year career. Of note, Elizabeth was recognized by the American Society for Microbiology for her contributions to the Clinical Microbiology Handbook. She was published in the Clinical Journal of Microbiology for antibody test techniques that she developed for the diagnosis of syphilis. Her work was recognized as playing a significant role in halting the spread of syphilis, and she was awarded the William C. Watson, Jr. Medal of Excellence.
She married James Marion (Jim) Hunter of Abbeville, GA., in LaGrange, GA in March 1960. They lived in Atlanta, Ga., where they raised two sons. Elizabeth was sadly widowed in 1982 and never re-married.
She is survived by eldest son James Marion Hunter, wife Traci Sharp Carroll of Los Angeles, CA, son Robert Hunter, and two grandchildren of Robert, Jeff and Kathryn.
Elizabeth is also survived by nieces Laura Bishop, her husband Chuck Bishop, Kathryn Yanez-Arellano, niece Dr. Nancy Turner, her husband, Dr. J.D. Turner, nephew, Dr. Bill Cornatzer, his wife Donna, and Dr. Art Pellerin, husband of pre-deceased niece Carolyn Pellerin, nephews Jack Freeman, Joseph Freeman, and numerous grand nephews and grand nieces.
She is survived by marriage to niece Judy Willcox, nephew Allen Fitzgerald, his wife Wanda, their children and grandchildren.
Elizabeth had five older siblings, all deceased. Lorimer Freeman, her eldest brother, Bernice Freeman her eldest sister, Norman Freeman, Julia Freeman Sipes, and Margaret Freeman Cornatzer.
Elizabeth was very active in her church, Briarcliff Baptist, and loved everything she did for the Flair Forest Garden Club. In retirement, she traveled extensively with friends and family. She loved the beach and vacationed with family in South Florida during the winter for a number of years. An amazing parent and grandmother, Elizabeth loved time with family and regularly hosted family holiday dinners/gatherings. She was an avid reader, and loved organizing and playing Bridge with friends & family. Quick to smile and greet others with kind words, Elizabeth lived a life of charity and kindness to others, always quick to help in a time of need. She is deeply missed by all who loved her.
A visitation for Elizabeth will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084. Following the visitation will be a committal/burial at 12:30 PM at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Hunter family.
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