Marilyn Emmans Hunter

Marilyn Emans Hunter of Sparta, New Jersey, died at the age of 91 on Oct. 4, 2019, after a nearly twodecade battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Marilyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband of sixtyeight years, William N. Hunter. She leaves her children, JoAnne Williams and husband David of Brookfield, Connecticut, Barbara Sturm and her husband Ron of Midlothian, Texas and William A. Hunter and his wife Ava of Fairfield, Connecticut.

Marilyn is also survived by grandchildren Lindsay Mallow, Daniel Williams, Jennifer Klepeisz, Kristen Williams, Kelly Hunter and Christina Hunter, greatgrandchildren Scarlett Mallow, Logan Mallow and Jack Williams, sisters Arline Wilson of Kennebunkport, Maine and Eleanor Gustafson and husband Jim of Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Marilyn was born at home in Branchville, New Jersey and spent most of her life in and around Sussex County, New Jersey. A graduate of Newton High School, she continued her education at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, earning her bachelor’s degree in business education. She returned to Sussex County to teach business subjects at her alma mater in Newton before marrying Bill, starting their family and settling in Sparta.

She served as an organist and choir director at Branchville Presbyterian, Branchville Methodist, Franklin Presbyterian and Sparta Presbyterian churches and had a knack for making the art of singing and performing fun for all. She also conducted a 60voice chorus while in Florida. She had a quick wit and often had a joke ready to elicit a chuckle or a smile. She was driven by her love of music, humor, golf and travel.

Marilyn and Bill were longtime members of Newton Country Club, where they both enjoyed socializing with friends during a round of golf or over a game of bridge.

Marilyn and Bill sprinkled in visits to grandchildren, other relatives and friends around the country whenever possible. Affectionately nicknamed “Miss Maps," Marilyn expertly planned their early retirement travel trailer adventures throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Marilyn’s family value principles encouraged independent thinking and to strive for the best possible outcomes, while loving and respecting one another along the way. Her teachings were effectively practiced and demonstrated as her family focused on her care and comfort throughout her long and challenging illness.

For those of us who loved her and shared our lives with her, we are forever blessed and grateful for her love and influence!

Visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 at Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday following the visitation at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta 32 Main St., Sparta. Interment will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 10 a.m. at Sparta Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her name to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (https://www.parkinson.org/)