Dorothy Jean Rouse Hunter, 88, of Kinston passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 3, 2024. She was born September 15, 1935, to the late Konrad McCoy Rouse and Mary Alexander Rouse.

Dorothy was a member of Southwest Christian Church where she had served as Deaconess, Secretary, and a member of various committees. She graduated from East Carolina University and was a teacher with Lenoir County Public Schools for over 30 years. She taught at Southwood Elementary School and then later Woodington Middle School prior to retirement.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Earl Hunter, and sister, Mildred Suits. She is survived by two sons, Joseph Earl Hunter, Jr. and wife, Dawn; and Robert Preston Hunter and wife, Belinda; 5 grandchildren, Dr. Jamie Hunter (husband, Dr. Wooten Jones) of Greenville, Joseph E. Hunter III (fiancé, Brooklyn Faulkner), Robert P. Hunter, Jr., Ethan M. Hunter all of Kinston, and Jacob E. Hunter of Chapel Hill; and sisters, Linda Howard of Seven Springs, Evelyn Barrow of Morehead City, and Emma Jones of Hattiesburg, MS, and brother in law, Robert “Bobby” K. Hunter of Kinston.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Westview Cemetery with Rev. Amanda Hines officiating.

We appreciate all thoughts and prayers and ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Christian Church Memorial Fund, 890 Neuse Road, Kinston, NC 28501.