Obituary of Mary I. Hunt

Mary "Dolly" Hunt passed from this world on November 24, 2014 surrounded by family. She was born on March 27, 1928 in Coral Gables, Florida to Albert and Agnes Isaac. The life Dolly lived was defined by her love for the Lord, her family, friends and learning. She attendedThe College of William and Mary and the University of Miami where she received her Bachelor Degree and received her Master Degree from Appalachian State University. She started her career on TV as 'Miss Dolly' of Romper Room where she poured her love of learning into the young people watching her show. She continued that educational mission by teaching in the public schools in Miami as a classroom teacher then as a reading specialist until her retirement at age 50. Retirement was just the beginning of her adventures. After retirement She moved to Boone where she and her family had summered since the 1930's and instantly began investing in the community. She was a Girl Scout leader for 15 years where she influenced an entire generation of young girls giving them the gift of hope and belief in themselves. She was a founding member of the Foscoe Lions Club, she became a member of the Foscoe Christian Church, she tutored and taught school as a substitute teacher, and she was the Queen and founder of the BooneDollies Red Hat Club. Then there was the traveling- she and her husband Budd traveled all throughout North America camping their way across the U.S. and Canada. Later she discovered cruising and began taking cruises with her children visiting Norway, Alaska, Mexico, England, Ireland, the Bahamas, the Dominican, and Hawaii- all of this after the age of 70!! Dolly's love for others, especially her family guided her every move in life. The influence of her presence on the lives of others is incalculable and she will never be forgotten by those who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her children Gary Brannon of Boone; Jeff Brannon (Jackie) of Charleston, SC; Brian Willis (Laura) of Black Mountain, NC; and Kristin Harmon (Mike) of Sugar Grove, NC. Stepchildren Jack Hunt (Jackie) of Yacht Barbara Ann; Jenny Byrnes (John) of Pahrump, NV; and Julie Hunt of Pahrump, NV. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family. She was pre-deceased by her Prince Charming, Budd Hunt; her parents; sisters Evelyn Webb and Frances Roman and one brother Albert "Bud" Isaac. A celebration of Dolly's life will be December 12 at 2pm at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to MediHome Hospice or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hunt family.