Irma Jean Rish Gunter

Irma Jean Rish Gunter, 93, widow of James “Jimmy” Virgle Gunter, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 10, 1932, she was the cherished daughter of the late Morris Arthur Rish and Myrtle Kennedy Rish.

A faithful member of Steadman Baptist Church, Irma Jean was a devoted child of God who deeply loved her Lord. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she was ready to meet her Maker with the same strength and conviction that defined her earthly journey.

Irma Jean lived some of the best years of her life as a dedicated stay-at-home mother and homemaker, creating a warm and loving home for her family. She loved her family fiercely and took great pride in each of them. Spunky and full of spirit, Irma Jean always told it like it was and never pulled any punches. Her honesty and straightforward nature were part of what made her so dearly loved. She also enjoyed watching The Andy Griffith Show, Gunsmoke, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy!, along with cooking shows and reading cookbooks.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Umbarger (Dean); grandchildren, Amy Howell, Laura Gunter, Al Gunter (Ginger), Misty Dyer (Chris), Allen Umbarger (Kimberly), Brandon Umbarger (Whitney), Brandie Gunter, Jamie Gunter, and Jessica Gunter; great-grandchildren, Andrea Gunter, Myles Howell, Ross Howell, Jaden Porth (Kip), McKayla Riggins, Blake Bagwell, Alexus Burke (Clay), Abagail Cooper (Levi), Payton Quarles (Payton), Bowen Umbarger, Eleanor Umbarger, Harvey Umbarger, Mackenzie Umbarger, Jazmin Brenner, and Elijah Gunter; and great-great-grandchildren, Jared Gunter, Asher Gunter, Cohen Skipper, Silas Skipper, Clay “Slugger” Burke, J’Lynn Burke, and Leo Cooper. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Glenda Gunter.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her sons, Larry Gunter, Lynwood Gunter, and Jim Gunter; a great-granddaughter, Hanna Riggins-Umbarger; and her siblings and in-laws: Agnes Gunter (Robert), Joyce Oswalt (Buck), Clara Padgett (Vance), Laverne Rish, Marjorie Padgett (Everette), Thornwell Rish (Betty), Wilton Rish (Vanara), Winnifred Rish, and Emily Taylor (Phillip).

A service to celebrate Irma Jean’s life will be held at 4 o’clock on Friday, February 20th, at Steadman Baptist Church, with Rev. Neal Smith officiating. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3 o’clock. Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, including her in-home hospice team, Al Gunter, Ginger Gunter, Amy Howell, Myles Howell, and Madilyn Gantt, for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Steadman Baptist Church.