Deeply rooted in family!
- Loretha Cleveland
- Feb 17
- 5 min read
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines family as “a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children and siblings.”
A less formal definition can be found when we look at the television representation of family depicted in shows like The Cosby Show, Family Matters, Good Times, and other popular sitcoms, played out in screen-time. However, let’s flip the switch for a moment to define family in real-time from the most recent Census report.
Based on Census data, Florida has a total population of 21,538,187, with an average family size of 3 people, and a female householder, no spouse or partner present, of 28 percent. That’s a quick reality check of what our state looks like in terms of family representation, not just a Kodak moment.
For one family, that female householder defined who they are today, as her descendants explain the bond that keeps building on the strong foundation of deeply rooted Christian values of their mom, Helen Hunter, a single parent. The virtuous woman who was the glue that kept the family together, night after night, day after day, without pause, creating for them countless Kodak moments to remember. Two boys and two girls watched Hunter mold the affairs of her household to keep a roof over their heads, clothe and feed four curious minds searching her every decision. Hunter passed away in 1989 from complications due to breast cancer treatments.
At a recent family gathering, labeled “The Between,” the siblings – Marvin Hunter, Jr (Marvin), Keith Hunter, Marvette Qwinn and Angela Francis, reminisced about childhood memories of their mother, and how she showered them with love and blessings within the walls of a small framed house they called home in the city of Live Oak, Florida, in Suwanee County.
According to the Census information, the female family householder, no spouse or partner present, is currently at 25 percent in Suwanee County, slightly lower than the average for the state. Hunter was among this group of women during her lifetime of managing a household on a single paycheck.
Reflecting on the day, Marvin, the eldest of the sibling bunch, describes how comforting it is to be surrounded by people you know love you best. He said there is something special about the laughter that can only happen between family.
“It’s a reminder of where we come from and how far we have all come. There is nothing like family prayer to me,” Marvin expressed. “The gathering was one of great family fellowship, family fun and laughter, celebrating recent accomplishments and lots of good food,” he explained.
Speaking of food, grilled hot-dogs, hamburgers and sausages, macaroni salad, baked beans, banana pudding, red velvet cake, key lime pie, and strawberry delight filled hearts and bellies alike. All hands were on deck to make this mouthwatering menu a top-shelf affair with plenty of good calories!
Marvin talked about how the food is always amazing, but emotionally explained how the fellowship is so much better. He said seeing everyone together makes him realize how blessed he is to have such a loving family connection. He described the beauty in seeing how each of the siblings has added their personal flavor to the family mix, all completing some degree of college and enjoying successful lifestyles.
Angela, the youngest sister, said the only missing pieces were their beloved mom, and niece Marquita, whom they lost in 2018; she was Marvin’s daughter.
Angela boasted the event was done in “Hunter style”.
“We’re the 636 (childhood house number) crew from Washington Street in Live Oak, and we know how to celebrate! Our mother’s spirit was felt deeply throughout the day, especially with the hydrangeas and butterflies Marvette placed around the house, a subtle, but powerful reminder of mom’s ever-present love. Even without them, we always carry mom with us. I hear it often from others, too – how much I resemble her, and that’s a reminder I carry proudly,” Angela shares.
She explained how the Hunter family is making plans to continue meeting annually.
“Time is precious and we don’t want to wait until the holidays to celebrate each other. Life is unpredictable and we’re reminded daily of the importance of making memories while we can. This event was a celebration of life, love and legacy, and we plan to keep it going for years to come.”
Marvette recalled all who traveled from Jacksonville and Gainesville to meet at her Live Oak home for the celebration.
“There was my husband Cliff, Prell, Marvin, Tiny, Markeese, Markeese Jr, Markesia, Keith, Lea-Ann, Kira, Haeli, Kiyana, Darryl, Angela, and Cayla,” she said, representing all four of the Hunter siblings. She smiled about Keith being a comedian who loves to make the family laugh when they are together; it’s always fun and special.
“My brothers sang my mom’s favorite hymn – A Charge to Keep I Have, as a blessing; it made me feel like ma was in the room. I will certainly attend again, Lord willing!” She said Tiny and Kira also lead the group in praise songs, keeping the spirit alive throughout the celebration.
Keith remembers his mom as a woman who had a strong relationship with each of her children, never favoring one over the other. He said, “she met each of us where we were and helped shape us into being the best version of our unique selves. Her love was the glue that bonded us.
She loved unconditionally and that’s what she passed down to each of us.”
He continued to talk about how Hunter believed in keeping her children close and made sure that love was the driving force. He explained that even in their younger adult years, their mom was intentional on having family get togethers even if it was just a quick gathering for “biscuits” on Sunday morning.
“We celebrated every birthday, every accomplishment, and every achievement. Looking back, these were not just gatherings, she was providing us with the blueprint. Showing us the importance of family and making sure that we would always be present for one another.”
The Between gathering is now officially added to everyone’s busy calendar, in addition to their annual Hunter traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas that alternate among households.
The Helen Hunter family – united by the ties of marriage, blood or adoption, continue making their freshly renewed Kodak memories every year.
“Time is short and family is so important,” Marvette concluded.
Comments