Mona Yolanda Hunter

Mona Yolanda Hunter, 64 passed away peacefully on Sunday July 7, 2019. Mona was born to Luke and Yvonne (Swann) Hunter in Columbus at The Ohio State University Hospital on October 7, 1954. During her formative years, Mona was always thought of a serious-minded, thoughtful, and precocious young lady. Being the second oldest, she was extremely dependable, always helped her mother care for their home and look after her younger siblings. Mona was a skilled seamstress and highly sought after by family and friends for her sewing creativity. One of her most prized pieces was a gold three-piece suit she made for her brother Ori-Piankhi that included a vest, pants and matching cape! She also sewed multiple items of clothing for her youngest brother, William. As a teenager, Mona was very sociable, fun-loving and could make a stranger smile. Her warm smile and mannerisms were contagious and made people feel comfortable. Consequently, she was asked to join the American Gold Star Mothers in the historic Hanford Village led by its founding member Ms. Williams. (The US Department of Defense would send mothers a gold star to hang in their windows. This tradition began during World War II to honor the mothers of active-duty service members when they die.) The Gold Star Mothers of Hanford Village would travel around to visit various nursing homes to bring comfort to those in need. Mona was an active member of the group and enjoyed interacting with elderly patients during her teen years. She also had an affinity for young people as she served several years as a candy striper at Children's Hospital. Mona attended South High School and sang in the South High School Gospel Choir under the direction of Mayola Childs. She worked diligently throughout her high school years to earn her spot into an interior design program at Central High School before graduating. As a diligent and knowledgeable team member of Xerox Incorporated, she was given the opportunity to transition over to its new company McGraw-Hill where she eventually climbed the ranks to be promoted to Team Leader of the Warehouse Division. After a successful career in the book publishing industry and over 25 years of service, Mona retired to spend more time with her family and travel. In her adult years, she gave her life to the Lord and was baptized by Reverend Richard Allen Dunbar, former pastor of Asbury United Methodist, at Urban Crest Baptist Church. In her family, she has always been the "go to" person for the voice of reason, words of encouragement, wisdom, or simply to share a cup of coffee and listen. She was unquestionably the World's Best French Toast Maker! Some of her favorite pastimes throughout the years were dancing, listening to Frankie Beverly and Maize, Earth, Wind and Fire, Luther Vandross etc., doing crossword puzzles, playing Solitary, spending time with family, and talking to her mother and son on the phone each night. Mona is preceded in death by father Luke Hunter, brother Luke Hunter Jr., sister- in- laws Mary Hunter and Crystal Standifer, Aunt Claudine Swann, and dearest friends Charlene Atkin and Laverne Triplett. Left to cherish her memory is her mother Yvonne (Swann) Hunter; son, James Robinson Jr., his father James Robinson and granddaughter, Jamesha Robinson; sisters, Wanda Hunter and Patricia Crockett; brothers, Ori-Piankhi (Pamela) Zumbi, Mark Hunter, Robert Hunter and William Hunter; Uncle retired Gunnery Sgt. George Swann Jr. and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Special mention, great- nephews, Azavier Johnston, Jameson Lightner and Shawn Gier; great- niece Gabriella Lightner; sister Daphne Triplett, long time friend Geraldine Forrester and several godchildren. Mona Hunter will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.