Mr. John E. Hunter (seated), surrounded by family, during his 100th birthday celebration recently at Mt. Zion Baptist.
This past Sunday Pastor Kayrie Stanley and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church family (McClain St. – Brighton, AL. 35020) celebrated their own Mr. John E. Hunter.
Saturday, Mr. Hunter turned, guess, yep, 100 years of age, and his church family made sure he knew how loved and appreciated he truly is.
Mr. Hunter’s daughter, Mrs. Angelia Bland, told us, “This is a monumental experience. 100 years old, and I hope to live as long as my father right here. I want him to know how much he is loved by many and known by a whole lot, and I thank God for him.”
Mr. Hunter was all smiles and very present within the moment as his nieces Venessa and Nakeia traveled specifically to be by his side. Venessa told us, “This is an honor to have a wonderful uncle like this, who made sure he taught us all well while we were growing up. We have a long life span within our family, and Uncle John is representing that proudly today.”
Mr. Hunter’s niece Nakeia also added to that, saying, “It’s amazing to see Uncle John turn 100 years of age today. I love him and wish him many more days such as these.”
A hard worker, Mr. Hunter was employed with the Birmingham Southern Railroad Company for 28 years.
We asked Mr. John what was his secret to such a long life, and he explained by saying, “The thing I grew to understand was what the Word says and that is ‘To Honor Your Mother and Father and your days will be long.’ Today it seems the children are raising their parents, and that’s backwards. We must return to our roots of morals and respect for one another, especially for our parents, and that’s what the youth should know. I’m just grateful and thankful because I’ve been blessed simply by treating others right and helping others however I could, which included not expecting payment for every little favor I did for others, and I just thank God seriously.”
Throughout Sunday’s church services the day was filled with a purified spiritual atmosphere as a portion of the services highlighted Mr. Hunter’s momentous day, as church members made presentations while Pastor Stanley shared inspirational words regarding a life such as Mr. John’s.
We send warm wishes to Mr. John E. Hunter, his family, and church home, while we wish all October-born a marvelous birthday month.