Martha Hunt

Martha Hunt was born on May 12, 1954, in Selma, Alabama, the youngest
of fifteen children born to Matthew George and Mary Ella Venson. At the
age of seven, she moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois, where she was
nurtured, educated, and later graduated from Marshall High School in 1972.
In August of 1980, Martha united in marriage with her beloved husband, J.L.
Hunt, Jr. From their loving union, three children were born, and together they
built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance.
Martha was raised in the church and remained grounded in her faith
throughout her life. She was a childhood member of Greater Bethlehem
and later accepted Christ at Wheaton Christian Center. As her faith journey
continued, she was led to Evangel Assembly of God, and during a season in her
later years, Martha was a member of RFAAM under the leadership of Pastor
Shaun and Prophetess Tracy Manning. Martha’s love for the Lord was evident
in how she lived, spoke, and prayed. She was known as a true prayer warrior
and boldly declared herself one of God’s favorites. Her favorite saying, “Daddy
ain’t broke,” perfectly captured her unshakable trust in God’s provision.
In the summer of 1988, Martha was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis,
an incurable lung disease, and was given one year to live. But God had other
plans. Martha went on to live 37 victorious years, choosing faith over fear
and joy over limitation. She mastered living a full, quality life and never
allowed illness to define her. She rarely complained and carried herself with
strength and grace. In an awe-inspiring testament to her resilience, Martha
completed a 5K marathon—an immaculate accomplishment so remarkable it
was considered for a magazine feature.
In 2022, Martha contracted COVID-19, which caused further damage to her
lungs and later led to breast cancer that spread to her brain. Even then, she
remained courageous, faithful, and dignified. When her quality of life began
to decline, Martha fought until she was readyto lay her burdens down and go
home to be with Jesus and reunited with loved ones who had gone before her.
Martha’s heart for service extended beyond her faith and into her career. She
dedicated many years to the Department of Children and Family Services
(DCFS), where she faithfully served and helped countless families until her
retirement.
On January 20, 2026, Martha completed her earthly journey and peacefully
transitioned into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Matthew George and Mary Ella Venson, and ten siblings: James, John, Dora,
Matthew, Dennis, Alberta, Henry, Sam, Rosie, and Joseph.
She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her devoted husband, J.L. Hunt, Jr.;
three children, Deveren Venson (LaTricia), Dashena Hunt-Ellis (Kalim), and
Shavonne Braswell (Augustus); cherished niece/daughter, Vernee; six beloved
grandchildren, Zipporah, Jayla, DJ, Ke’Aira, Mia, and Jael; nephew/grandson,
Jaylen; one great-grandchild; sisters, Queenie Yow, Emma Proby, and Thelma
Merritt; brother, Pastor Elmer Venson, Sr. (Gladys); and a host of nieces,
nephews, other extended family, and friends.
Martha Hunt will forever be remembered as a stylish, bold, faith-filled woman
who loved hard, prayed fiercely, and trusted God completely. Her life stands
as a testimony of endurance, joy, and unwavering faith. Though she has
transitioned, her legacy lives on in every life she touched.

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