Melonie Hunter

On October 13, 1962, in Conway, South Carolina, a bright light entered this world—Melonie Ann Hunter. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life reflected strength, love, and faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Stevens, and Henry and Woller Mae Hunt, but her legacy continues to shine brightly through all who knew her. 

Melonie’s journey began in Georgetown County schools before her family moved to Myrtle Beach, where she completed her education in the Horry County School District. She graduated with pride as part of the Myrtle Beach High School Class of 1980. While there, she poured her energy into the Seahawks Marching Band and athletics, excelling in track and field. She was a fierce competitor, setting the school shot-put record—one that stood unbroken for 16 years, a testament to her determination and strength. 

After high school, Melonie bravely answered the call to serve her country. She joined the United States Army, with assignments that took her to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Frankfurt, Germany, and Sinai, Egypt. Those years shaped her discipline and resilience, qualities that she carried with her throughout her life. 

When she returned home, she began a new chapter of service—not in uniform, but in healthcare. What started as a dietary aide position at Sandstrom Nursing Home grew into a lifelong career of over 35 years, serving as a dietary supervisor at Conway Hospital and Kingston Nursing Center (now Pruitt Healthcare). Through her kindness, laughter, and compassion, she touched countless lives and built friendships that became like family. 

For 24 years, she shared an unshakable bond with her husband, Deacon Christopher Hunter. Their marriage was built on love, laughter, and faith, and together they created a home filled with warmth, strength, and devotion to God. He was her partner in every sense of the word, and she cherished the life they built side by side. 

In August 2023, Melonie faced one of her toughest battles when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Even as her health declined, her faith never wavered. She held fast to her love for God and her family until she peacefully transitioned from this life on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Conway Medical Center. 

Melonie’s greatest joy was her church and her family. From childhood, she and her brother spent Saturdays alongside their grandmother, Rosa G. Hamilton, cleaning Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church to prepare for Sunday worship. As she grew, she continued to give herself fully to the church she loved—serving as a Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, member of the Adult Choir, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Usher Board, and Youth Department. She was always a source of warmth, greeting everyone with her radiant smile and kind words. Her presence filled the sanctuary with love, and her absence will be deeply felt. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 24 years, Deacon Christopher Hunter; four sons, Sherwin Wayne Chance (Sharon) of Mobile, AL, Shelldon Ledane Hunter (Zasha) of Lexington Park, MD, Christopher Anthony Hunter of Atlanta, GA, and Corey Philip Hunter of Mobile, AL; eight grandsons, five granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters; her goddaughter, Wendy Bostic of West Palm Beach, FL; her brother, Gerald Edward Hunt (Stacy) of Columbia, SC; her sisters, Tolona Michelle Hunt and Tawanna April Hunt, both of Myrtle Beach, SC; her uncle, Joe Vandross of Tabor City, NC; her aunts, Olivia Bromell (Franklin) of Plantersville, SC, Tommie Lane Vandross of West Palm Beach, FL, and Helen Asbury of Trenton, NJ; her two cherished friends, Trencia “Dee” Williams (Robert Lee) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Donna Washington Hill of California, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

To know Melonie was to love her. She was a woman of strength, a woman of faith, and a woman of unconditional love. Her smile, her laughter, and her spirit will forever live in our hearts.

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