Harold Allen Hunter

My siblings and I grew up in St Louis so it was always a special treat to visit Chicago so that we could visit with our cousins. My older brother and Harold and Herschel were only ten months apart and being boys, they did not want to be bothered with a girl, so I spent most of my time with their younger brother Kenneth. But like most girls, I had to antagonize the older boys from time to time. Harold always talked about how hard I could hit to be a girl. When he came to visit us in November of 2018 for the celebration of our mother's 91st birthday (his only living aunt, Mary Johnson), he of course mentioned my hitting him (fortunately I had outgrown that behavior). However, it was a significant visit because besides having one of the best times enjoying each other and eating excessively, Harold disclosed his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was cautiously optimistic about his prognosis and hoped to survive at least five years and have an opportunity to complete his book of short stories. Unfortunately, he did not make the five years and did not have an opportunity to complete the book. We continued to talk at least twice a week for wellness checks, childhood stories, and solve the world issues. When I arrived in Chicago just a few days before his passing, I had an opportunity to meet one of his co-workers and dear friend, Laverna Poindexter. I appreciate the support she gave him and the love and support she extended to me as I navigated through the arrangements that had to be made. I thank Harold for introducing me to a new, forever friend. Rest well cousin and thank you for the blessings.