Marjorie Hunter Peterson Minton passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2011, in her ninetieth year. 

Marjorie, known as “Marge” to her many friends, was born in Beaumont, Texas on December 27, 1921, to Tom and Annie Hunter.  The fourth of seven children, she graduated from Beaumont High School in 1939, at the top of her class.  She attended the University of Texas, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  After her five children were nearly grown, she returned to Lamar University, making straight A’s and earning  her Bachelor of Arts in English, with honors, in 1981, just one week shy of her sixtieth birthday.  

She met her husband of forty-five years, Harold Peterson (“Pete”), during World War II while he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  They had a whirlwind courtship and married before Pete was deployed to Europe.  After the War, they lived in Iowa City, Iowa, where Pete obtained his law degree and their son Tommy was born.  Marge and Pete then settled in Beaumont, where Pete practiced law and they raised their family.     

Marge and Pete had five adoring children: Tommy Peterson and Anne Peterson Wells who reside in Beaumont; Mary Clare Peterson Ward of Houston; Laura Peterson Elkind of Fort Worth; and Ellen Peterson Duncan of New Braunfels.

Marge was a beautiful woman, both inside and out.  She was a devoted wife and mother who always put her children and family first. A fabulous cook, she showed her four daughters how to be good mothers, adored her only son, and always gave wise counsel. To both her family and all who knew her, Marge was a lifelong example of humility, compassion, strength and resilience.  Throughout her life, but especially in her final years, she displayed a remarkable and enduring cheerfulness, graciousness and sense of humor. 

Marge gave generously of her time and talents but never sought the spotlight. Her numerous community activities include the Junior League of Beaumont, serving as President in 1957-58; the United Way of Beaumont; the Jefferson County Bar Auxiliary, serving as President; St. Anne’s Catholic Church, serving on the Pastoral Council; and Daughters of the American Revolution.     

She researched in-depth her family genealogy, tracing her family’s roots to Colonial times and beyond.  She was a crackerjack bridge player, a whiz at crossword puzzles and an avid reader.  She loved a good joke.                  

Five years after Pete’s death in 1989, Marge married Fred Minton, a high school classmate.  They enjoyed catching up with old friends and reliving the glory days of Beaumont High School.  Fred died in 2006.   

Other than her children, survivors include sisters, Carroll Hunter Nelson and Mary Lou Hunter Terry; daughter- and sons-in-law, Shearon Peterson, Boyd Wells, Bob Ward, Peter Elkind, and Donald Duncan; stepson, Scott Minton, and his family; grandchildren, Keith Peterson, Marjorie Wells Dale, Peter Wells, John Wells, Patrick Wells, Robert Ward, Tommy Ward, Hallie Ward, Adele Elkind, Sam Elkind, Hal Duncan, and Bowie Duncan; four step-grandsons, Cameron Duncan and Stephen, Landon, and George Elkind; and three great-grandchildren.  She leaves behind many who loved her, as well as several devoted women who helped care for her in her later years: Shelia Patterson, Brenda Ardoin, Marie Garrett, Joyce Charlot, Pauline Gage, and Cynthia Wherry.  The family also wishes to thank the staff at Collier Park in Beaumont and at Sundance Inn, Hope Hospice, and Home Instead in New Braunfels, Texas, for the loving and tireless care and attention they gave their mother.

In addition to her parents, Pete, and Fred, Marge is preceded in death by her siblings, Frances Hunter Heyck, Harbert Hunter, William Hunter, and Keith Hunter. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 20, 2011, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.  A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday, June 19, 2011, 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. with a Christian Vigil beginning at 5:00 P.M. at Broussard’s.