Johnathan Lee Hunter,Jr. - Obituary

n October 16, 1949, Johnathan Lee Hunter, Jr. was born to the late Johnathan and Florine Hunter in Washington, D.C. He peacefully departed this life on September 8, 2026. Known as Johnny to many family members and friends, he was the first of three children born into this loving family. He is survived by his brother, Cyril. His sister, Tanya, preceded him in death. Johnathan grew up in the Washington, D.C., neighborhood around Thirteenth and Hamilton Streets Northwest, where he formed lasting friendships that remained with him throughout his life. Among those cherished friends were Arthur Simpkins, Larry White, James Ivey, and Duane Cook, to name a few. Johnathan graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1968. He attended Wilberforce College in Ohio before transferring to Federal City College, now the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education. Throughout the years, he continued his education through master’s-level coursework with an emphasis in child behavioral management. Johnathan loved the teaching profession and deeply valued his students and colleagues. He devoted more than 40 years to his career as a teacher in D.C. and Prince George’s County public schools, finally retiring for good in 2019. In 1966, Johnathan was introduced to Janice Johnson at a church picnic at Fort Washington Park. Neither could have known that this chance meeting would blossom into a special friendship and, ultimately, a lifelong love. On August 28, 1976, Johnathan married his best friend, Janice. Their marriage was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ebony and Carrie. Johnathan genuinely loved people and enjoyed connecting with everyone he met. He was never too busy to share a kind word, shake a hand, help someone with a problem, or volunteer his time for a good cause. When Ebony and Carrie enrolled at Holy Family School, the family joined Holy Family Parish. Over the years, Johnathan was actively involved with the Home & School Association, the Holy Family Teen Club, the Holy Family Men’s Club, the Food Pantry, and the Holy Family Scholarship Fund. Johnathan was also active with the Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus, Bishop James E. Walsh Assembly No. 1548, and Saint Pius X Council No. 4076, where he thoroughly enjoyed helping with Wednesday night BINGO. Believing that everyone deserved a warm winter coat, Johnathan faithfully the winter coat ministry each year, helping children and adults stay warm. He also supported the Forestville Pregnancy Center, participated in its annual golf tournament, and encouraged others to participate as well. When Johnathan and Janice moved further away from Holy Family, he found an additional sense of purpose through his involvement at Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Silver Spring. There, he was active in the Transformed in Love Marriage Ministry and the Snack Bag Ministry for the homeless. Johnathan was passionate and joyful about life. He loved his family, his friends, and even total strangers. He wanted to know more about everyone he met. He wanted to help anyone facing trouble or dealing with a problem. He wanted everyone to play golf with him. And no one enjoyed a party more than Johnathan! Until the very end, Johnathan remained a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. He lived a virtuous life demonstrated daily by his integrity, faithfulness, wisdom, humility, and love. He chose to live a life of selflessness, honoring God and serving others. In one of his last notes to his family, Johnathan wrote: “God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, two wonderful daughters, a terrific son-in-law, two smart, handsome grandsons and a trusted friend in Rich. God made our journey together loving and caring with the ability to laugh and learn. I am thankful.” These words beautifully reflect the gratitude, love, and joy that Johnathan carried in his heart throughout his life. Johnathan leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife of 50 years, Janice K. Johnson Hunter; his daughters, Ebony Hunter and Carrie Hunter Smith (Brian); his grandsons, Hunter Daniel Smith and Hudson Edwards Smith; his brother, Cyril J. Hunter; and a host of family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing and loving him. In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Johnathan L. Hunter, Jr. can be made to the Holy Family Scholarship Fund, Holy Family Catholic Church, 2210 Callaway Street, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748 or the Forestville Pregnancy Center, 3611 Branch Ave. Suite 102, Temple Hills, MD 20748 by mail or via its website: Forestville Pregnancy Center Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Johnathan's Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2219 Callaway Street, Hillcrest Heights MD, 20748. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton MD 20735.