Leta Childress Hunter

Leta Childress Hunter, 75, of Forest, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2023.  She was the loving wife of Melvin Hunter for 52 years.

Born in Lynchburg on October 22, 1948, a daughter of the late Henry and Alice Childress.

She was a long-standing member of Calvary Baptist Church on Timberlake Road.

Leta graduated high school from Powhatan High School and went on to Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated with a degree in nursing. She completed her nursing career with Women’s Health Services in Lynchburg.

Upon retirement, she continued to help the community where she volunteered with Calvary Baptist Church, as well as the Free Clinic of Central Virginia.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Lori Strickland-Ramey (Casey), and Kristin Mays (Michael), grandchildren: Nora Strickland, Thomas Strickland, Robert Strickland, Katie Mays and Mackenzie Mays, great-grandchildren; Colton Champion, Danni Gomes, and Daymian Gomes. Sisters; Marie Smith and Joyce Staton (Cecil), a sister-in-law, Kay Childress, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

A celebration of Leta’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Louis Beckwith, Jr. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leta’s name to either the Free Clinic of Central Virginia at 1016 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or to Calvary Baptist 20957 Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.