of Batesville, AR
February 21, 1936 - September 30, 2025
Elma Raye McClure Hunter, 89, of Batesville died Tuesday morning, September 30, 2025 at the Wood-Lawn Nursing Home in Batesville.
She was born in Newark, Arkansas on February 21, 1936 and was the daughter of Clarence Elmer and Wilma (Edwards) McClure. Elma Raye was a long-time member, receptionist, financial and pastoral secretary for First Baptist Church of Batesville, where she served for 45 years. She loved serving her Lord through serving the church. She enjoyed meeting new members and had a special place in her heart for children and the youth. When not working or enjoying her family, she loved shopping and spending time with her dear friends.
Elma Raye is survived by her brother, Jim McClure of Little Rock; two sons, James Scott (Angela) Hunter of Fort Smith and David Lee Hunter of Batesville; three grandchildren, Jamie Elizabeth (Bubba) Carter of Valley View, Zachary Lee Hunter of Calgary, Canada and Steele (Leah) Dortch of Van Buren; four great-grandchildren, Larson and Lauren Carter both of Valley View and Elias and Everett Dortch both of Van Buren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and Elmer McClure; her husband, Jimmy Lee Hunter and her sister, Carrie Jean Wood.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:00pm with the funeral to follow at 2:00pm at the Roller-Crouch Chapel in Batesville. The pastor of First Baptist Church, Stacy Reed, will be officiating. Burial will follow the services at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville under the directions of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Pallbearers will be Scott Kallsnick, Pete Whitener, Mickey Sharp, Rickie Sharp, Kenny Helm and Steele Dortch.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church.
The family wishes to thank Woodcrest Assisted Living, Wood-Lawn Aspen Hall, Dr. Chuck McClain, Dr. Jordan Weaver, Caring Hands Hospice and the WRMC staff and caregivers for their love and support and the many others that enriched their life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6th and Main Street, Batesville, AR, 72501 or to the Alzheimer's Association online at www.curealz.org.
Sign Guestbook
21 Condolence(s)
Erby Burgess
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
We have such great memories of Elma Raye. We loved her and her gracious heart and remember all the times she made us and the FBC Batesville church family feel loved. We are praying for all.
Erby and Suzanne Burgess
Sherry O'Daniel Page
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Elma Raye always had a smile. When I would see her I would ask her about her family and she would brighten up and tell me about them. Praying for your family.
Troy Smythe
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Elma Raye was a beloved part of my life since the day I was born. She was always larger than life in every way-- from her great sense of humor to her even greater heart. She made the world a special place. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. -Troy Smythe and John Moore.
David and Susan Parker
Monday, October 6, 2025
Scott & David,
Your Mom meant so much to the Parker family through all of the years we've been in Batesville. May God grant you a peace that passes all understanding.
Karen Astin
Friday, October 3, 2025
She will be so missed. She was such a sweet lady. She was so kind, gentle and gracious. She touched so many. Fly high precious lady. So many will be welcoming you home.
Holly Hastings
Friday, October 3, 2025
She was such a precious soul. She suffers no more. We will miss her.
Johnny Baxter
Friday, October 3, 2025
Peace.......jb
J0 Anderson
Thursday, October 2, 2025
She was a great woman she will be missed and loved forever God bless
Jonathan Anderson
Thursday, October 2, 2025
He was a great woman I'm so glad I got to know her or meet her she will be missed
Kathy Handford
Thursday, October 2, 2025
I just loved her coming into the beauty shop. She's so light spoken, oh and how i could embarrass her with a joke. I'll see you soon and we can catch up
Luria Paxton
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Elma Raye always had a wonderful smile she was a wonderful neighbor sadly miss her
Lisahill
Thursday, October 2, 2025
May soul rest in peace" (often "May his/her soul rest in peace") is a common phrase used to express sympathy and condolence for someone who has passed away. It is a hopeful expression of the desire that the deceased's spirit finds a state of tranquility and eternal rest after death.
Purpose and Meaning
Condolence: It's a way to offer comfort to the family and friends of the deceased by acknowledging their loss and expressing your thoughts and support.
Hope for Peace: The phrase conveys a wish for the departed soul to be free from worldly struggles and to find a peaceful, tranquil state after life.
Spiritual Context: For some, it carries a spiritual meaning, expressing hope that the soul is in God's presence or has achieved eternal serenity.
How to Use It
Express Sympathy: You can use it when speaking to or writing to the family of someone who has died.
In Messages: It can be included in sympathy notes, condolence messages, or even in a simple comment on a social media post about someone's passing.
Personal Connection: Some people may also use it as a way to honor the memory of the deceased and express that they will be remembered.
Dawn Reed
Thursday, October 2, 2025
I have such fun memories of Mrs Elma Raye. She loved to wait on our son to walk over to the church after school at Central Magnet and they would escape to Sonic for afterschool milkshakes. She had a smile for everyone and was a warm welcome for 45 years at FBC. Great is your reward Ms Elma Raye! ❤️
Kristen McCabe
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
So sorry for your loss , my thoughts are with you
Jeannie Huff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
I am So Sorry for your loss. Elma Ray was such a Precious lady and she and Jim were Excellent neighbors to my aunt who bought the house that Elma Ray’s mother had lived in. You will all be in my thoughts and Prayers.
Danny J Mitchell
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Prayers for family
Renee Young
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Heaven's brighter & more beautiful now. Such a sweet angel on this Earth time to fly high now Ms. Elma Raye. I feel so blessed to have known you. Always so sweet with the kindest soul. Love u precious lady. You'll be missed dearly by so many.
Betty Gaithet
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
So sorry to hear of Elma Raye’s passing she was sweet person use to love talking to her. My prayers for the family.
Shirlene O'Daniel
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Scott and David, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of the Hunter family. Praying for peace and comfort
Erin Rhodes
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
I loved Elma Raye from the first time I met her. She was clever and hilarious. It was a joy to know her. Her performance at my wedding will go down in the Rhodes’ history books. She will be missed.
Doug Davis
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
I thought a lot of Elma Raye. Always a loving and caring word from her. She is missed.