Susan Bankston Hunter

Susan went to be with her Lord and Savior while sleeping on July 4, 2024.

Susan was born to Haven and Daphne Moore in Hobart, Oklahoma on February 11, 1938. She had one younger brother, Haven. Her father was a pastor and they moved around in both Oklahoma and Kansas, living in the town where he served.

She met her husband Charles on a blind date when she was a senior at East High School, and she married him after two more dates in April 1956.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Bankston. They were married for 43 years. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Don Hunter. They were married for 17 years.

After losing two husbands, Susan demonstrated consistent joy, optimism and trust in the Lord’s plan despite her grief. She modeled to her friends and family what it looks like to love what He has given us here, but also realizing that her home is not on this earth.

Susan is survived by her three sons; Michael (Amy) Bankston, Mark Bankston, Troy Bankston; her 4 grandchildren: Lizzie (Jon) Brickley, Brad (Hannah) Bankston, Kami Bankston, and Alex Bankston. She is survived by her 11 great grandchildren, Daughters in law from Don Hunter; Laura (Antley) Fowler, Julie (Eric) Hunter Wallace, and their 6 children.

She was one of the happiest people anyone ever knew. She saw the good in everyone, enjoying each person she spent time with, and took every opportunity she had to show love to her three sons, her daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Susan was always supportive of whatever schooling or career they pursued and would encourage each one to reach their full potential.

Susan was married to Charles for 43 years, before Charles passed away in 1999. During the time she was married to Charles, she and Charles came to know the Lord and started their journey of following Jesus. They also raised three independent and strong men during this time and developed many sweet friendships along the way.

She married Donald Hunter on June 17, 2003, and was happily married to him, living in Florida and enjoying his daughters and grandchildren for almost 18 years until he passed away in 2020. During this time, Susan and Don enjoyed the life of retirement, and intentionally pursued relationships with family and friends.

Susan was an avid reader; she loved God’s Word, had a heart for people and often could be heard sharing the gospel to others. Earlier in her life, she wrote many journals, poems, stories, and musings of her life growing up and her future.

She had close friends in Wichita for many years and kept in touch with them even after she and Charles relocated to South Carolina in 1984. She and Charles lived in South Carolina until Charles passed away in 1999.

After she met and married Don, they relocated to Florida and spent much time with his daughters, husbands, and granddaughters. Susan and Don loved eating out, sharing and encouraging the wait staff at each restaurant they frequented. Susan saw the love that Don had for China and the Chinese people, encouraged him to go on many mission trips through their church.

Susan earned a master’s certificate from Jackson State Seminary in the late 90’s and served for several years as a chaplain.

When Susan moved back to Wichita in 2021, she met and became friends with many new people at Larksfield Place Independent Living. She enjoyed the many activities, residents, and staff there. She loved being with family at many family dinners and enjoyed interacting with the great grandchildren, often playing with them whatever game they invented. She would go right along with the child, even if the 18-month old’s idea of the game didn’t make sense!

Susan had several deep loves; books, God’s Word, Disneyworld, cinnamon rolls, Starbucks, Panera, and almost any kind of candy. She always enjoyed a cinnamon roll, no matter what time of day it was.

Susan loved people and always saw the best in them along with their potential. She always encouraged people to go for their dream, reach their full potential, and follow the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with East Africa missions at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.