Obituary of Patricia Hunter-Roberts

Patricia Maxine Hunter-Roberts, known as Duchess or Mother Duchess, and affectionately called "Mother D" by many who knew her, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the child of Aldrich Hunter and Maxine Allen Hunter. She grew up in Boston, where she attended school, got married and raised her only child, Cheryleigh. In Boston, she was active in community affairs, education and the arts. She was involved with the South End Music Center, where her daughter studied music, as well as the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. Duchess had a heart for young people, especially wayward youngsters. To get them off the street, she would invite them home for a meal and an encouraging and motivating talk (much to the chagrin of her teenage daughter). Most often she would take them to the library, desiring to instill an appreciation for reading, which she believed could influence their young lives and set them on a path to success. She was employed in various occupations which included working for Teledyne, which produced parts for NASA spacecraft, WBZ-TV, Fidelity and Deposit, and the Massachusetts Council of Churches. Mother Duchess always had a desire to educate herself and as an adult she pursued courses at Bryant and Stratton, Boston University, and UMass Boston's College of Public and Community Service. In 1976, Mother Duchess relocated to Los Angeles to join her daughter Cheryleigh. There she became active in community affairs. In 1985, Mayor Tom Bradley named her as the L.A. 10th District Advisor to the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission. She fulfilled her role as Advisor faithfully for 20 years, serving on various committees at the request of respective Commissioners. When Duchess' tenure was completed, she was honored by the Executive Director, Rabbi Allen Freehling, with an award of appreciation as Advisor Emeritus in recognition of 20 years of service to the Commission. Duchess worked as an administrative assistant in the USC Department of Music, briefly at the law firm of Saltzburg, Ray and Bergman, and at an age when most people were retiring, she and a partner became independent long-haul truckers on the West Coast. Mother Duchess joined West Angeles Church of God in Christ in 2001. For 20 years she served faithfully in ministry: Christian Education Department, New Members Class Ministry Assistant, Children's Church, Vessels of Love Bereavement Ministry, Overcomers Bible Fellowship, seniors praise dance team, Precious Memories, and the Prison Ministry, writing letters of encouragement and sharing the Word of God. Because of her love for God's Word, she enrolled in the West Angeles Bible College taking many classes which further served to deepen her faith and love of God and earning her several Certificates of Achievement. Mother Duchess was a licensed Evangelist Missionary and a true soldier for the Lord. She never hesitated to share a testimony or a word of wisdom and encouragement. She could be found ministering at monthly Chapel services at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles, volunteering at annual tent revivals where she helped to distribute food, clothing and Bibles, or participating in neighborhood clothing giveaways and, of course, praying for those in need and the homeless. Duchess loved to crochet and arduously but lovingly made bed throws for her favorite family members. She loved to read and she especially loved to study the Bible and read books that expressed the love of God in her life. She loved the Lord and was never shy when it came to talking about "her Holy Spirit" and how He guided her and talked to her. Upon moving to Maryland with her daughter Cheryleigh and son-in-law Dennis in December 2021, Duchess took pleasure in being around family and experiencing her new environment. Returning to the East Coast in her later years, she loved the four seasons. She enjoyed the autumn colors of the Fall trees and referred to the bare, leafless Winter tree branches as her "sprays." But she most enjoyed the lush green trees of Spring and Summer. Although faced with health challenges, she continued to write and encourage incarcerated individuals and was always ready to pray with or share an encouraging word with those she met. Duchess was always concerned about and inquired after family. She constantly thanked all those who prayed for her and was grateful for everyone who made her life richer. She will be deeply missed, and though the Lord has called her to her eternal home, we know we will see her again! Mother Duchess leaves to treasure her memory, her daughter, Cheryleigh and son-in law Dennis Bullock (who she affectionately called "Dad"), step-grandsons Dennis Bullock, Jr. and Donald Bullock (Mary Ann), great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, godchildren, and a host of spiritual sons and daughters, family and friends.