Merthene Lee

Merthene was born in Forrest Mississippi to Lula and Jesse Thomas. She was the fifth of eight children. Mert or Ree (a nickname from family members) came to California to visit her oldest sister, Erma. She loved it here so much she never returned home. Here in California, she met her first husband, a hometown friend, Singleton Hunt, and had four boys. Marvin, Mark, Vincent, and Eric. Their union lasted 14 years.
Over the years she worked diligently two to three jobs to provide for her boys. Times were tough, but she always showed a loving and caring spirit. Merthene didn’t have much materially but she made sure that her boys had what they needed along with love and the importance of unity among themselves.
Later in life, she met her second husband, Charles Lee. Charles and Marie (a name Charles called her) did all the things Merthene couldn’t do before. They moved to Missouri for three years. They traveled all over the United States. Charles took Marie to Hawaii to see the remains of Pearl Harbor. They went to the Military Balls. But sadly, this ended when Charles passed away in 2003, of cancer.
Merthene didn’t stay down for long. With the help of her other sister, Angie they made a Job out of going to the casinos every other week. Merthene really enjoyed this time.
Merthene really enjoyed her family more so, trying to attend all the different celebrations, from birthdays to baby showers. But as she got older, she did slow down. We began to see signs of Alzheimer’s and later we found out she too had cancer. Mom went to sleep on April 22, 2023, surrounded by her family. Everyone who knew her will deeply miss her. But the Joy and happiness that she gave to many, will be remembered forever.
She is preceded in death by her parents Lula and Jesse Thomas. Sister Erma Lee (Thomas) Cumberlige Brothers Jesse Thomas Jr. and David Thomas.
Merthene leaves behind her four sons, Marvin and his wife Teresa, Mark and his wife Michele, Vincent Hunt, and Eric and his wife Joann. Grandchildren: Maurice and wife Shema Hunt, Marcel Hunt, Chantrell Hunt, Maureen Hunt, Vincent Love, Tiffany Hunt, Shannon Correia and her husband Casey, Micole Hunt, and Mark Hunt Jr. And nine great-grandchildren. There are so many nieces and nephews that she has loved, and they have loved her greatly and will miss her deeply. She is survived by her sisters Lola, Angie Rodgers, and Ann Thomas, and brother, Benjamin Thomas.