Emma Jane Hunter

 Emma Jane Rhynes Hunter, 92, was born on March 8,1932 to Harley and Betty Rhynes In Coalgate, OK. Emma passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in Tulsa, OK. she was the fifth of six children in birth order Lessie, Tressie, Harley Jr., Etoil, (Emma) and Wrenda. 

 Harley Rhynes passed away from appendicitis in December of 1933. Betty moved with her children back to her home in Newton County, ARK. and back to Oklahoma in 1943. Betty married Bud Shatt (Shatswell) and together they raised the children. Bud treated them all as his own and was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather. Emma graduated from Onapa High School in 1951 as Salutatorian of her class. Emma's first job was with Southwestern Bell in Muskogee from 1951-1952.

 Emma married Carl Eugene Hunter on October 27, 1952, just one week from his discharge from the U.S. Army, together they raised two daughters, Treba Marie and Toni Lynne, as well as fostering several other children while living in California. They moved back to their home state of Oklahoma in 1967. Emma worked as a superintendent at Muskogee Day Nursery School for 26 years until retiring in 1994. "Mrs. Hunter" found lifelong fulfillment in caring for the many children who attended the Day Nursery, treating each one as if they were her own. 

 Emma is preceded in death by her siblings: Lessie Rodgers, Tressie Emerson, Harley Rhynes, Etoil Lyles, Wrenda Hunter and Vernon Shatt; one daughter, Treba Marie Hunter Longcrier. Emma is survived by her husband of the home Carl Eugene Hunter; and one daughter Toni Lynne Hunter Jarrett and husband Tim Jarrett of Collinsville, Oklahoma; five grandchildren Kristi Watkins and husband Tyler of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Russell Spears of Tulsa, Janie McAdoo of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Jessica Edwards of Elizabethtown, Kentuky and Sara Cox and husband Derek of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, great grandchildren, Blaine Watkins and wife Morgan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kloie Watkins of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Caleb Spears of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Cole Spears of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Gracie Mize and husband Christifer of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Addison McAdoo of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Riley Cox, Anthony Edwards, and Hunter Cox all of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and two great great grandchildren Savanna Mize and Tate Watkins, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, neighbors and provider staff. Emma and Carl were members of Grandview Baptist Church in Muskogee for many years.