Classie Mae Luckey Gunter (Mama Gran Gran)

Classie was born February 20, 1949, in Texarkana, Texas to Elmira and Walter Luckey, Sr. whom both proceeded her to glory. As the 5th of 11 children born to this union, Classie's mother witnessed her gift for educating others as she actively sought out opportunities to teach her younger siblings. Both of her parents knew she would one day be an educator.Classie attended elementary school in Texarkana, Texas.                                                                            Classie later matriculated through junior high school and then graduated from R.L. Thornton High School in Queen City, TX. After graduation, Classie attended Jarvis Christian College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Art in English. It was at Jarvis Christian College that Classie met the love of her life and spouse of 50-years, James Gunter, Sr. The two were married on December 18, 1971. To this union five children were born, Sharmeadia Gunter (Richardson, TX), James Gunter, Jr (Dallas, TX), Claresia Brooks (Garland, TX), Kristee Gunter (Garland, TX), and Jamenick Gunter (Clarksville, TX). Classie and James also have an adopted daughter, Kizzy Sinches (Tyler, TX).   

 Classie consistently sought self-improvement which led her to pursue a master's degree in education at the University of Texas at Commerce formerly East Texas State University.

Classie committed her life to Christ at an early age and this love of Christ orchestrated every aspect of her life and how she interacted with others. She was passionate about helping others and served as a girl scout leader, boy scout leader, and an educator for Lindale Independent School District and Mineola Independent School district. She loved her students and was interested in making sure that each student felt seen, heard, and valued. Classie also served as a Deaconess, Sunday school, and vacation bible school teacher, as well as a hospice volunteer. Classie loved encouraging and praying for others. She sought opportunities to support, nurture, and mentor others.     She was genuinely interested in not only knowing someone but knowing that they were well. Classie was petite and soft-spoken but mighty in word and deed.  Classie was an amazing, loving, self-less mother, grandmother, & great-grandmother. Classie is a Proverbs 31 woman whose worth, impact, and legacy are above rubies. 

                                                                                                                      Classie was preceded in death by her mother Elmira Luckey, father Walter Luckey, Sr., brother Roance Hayden, sister Francis Baker, brother Walter Luckey, Jr., and sister Mira Luckey. 

Those left to cherish Classie's memory include her husband James Gunter, Sr., daughter Sharmeadia Gunter (Zhiiya Kirk), son James Gunter, Jr. (James Gunter, III, Naomi Derrick-Gunter, Jamier Gunter, Jordyn Gunter), daughter Claresia Brooks (Calvin, Sr.) (Calvin, Jr.),  daughter Kristee Gunter, son Jamenick Gunter (India Gunter, Bella Gunter, Arie McCardell, Nia McCardell, Nadia McCardell, Kaishous McCardell, Jhia McCardell, Italia McCardell), adopted daughter Kizzy Sinches (Kendre Tennyson, Keaira Robertson, Koriyana (Warren) Brooks), god-daughter Marsha Tuck, sisters Alice Irvin, sister Marie Luckey, brother Frazielle (Mable) Luckey, brother Leviticus (Sharmaine) Luckey, brother Anthony Luckey, brother Jeralle Jalil, grandchildren, a great-grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.