Ludowici – Karen Marie (Howard) Hunter, 63, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Savannah.  She was a Liberty County native who grew up in Hinesville and graduated from Bradwell Institute, and had lived in Long County for the past 18 years.  She worked for 13 years at Walmart in Hinesville before working at Dollar General in Ludowici until her retirement. An avid sportsman, she enjoyed playing and coaching softball and basketball, and was a faithful Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldog fan.  Karen was a loving mother and grandmother and a devoted military wife, and always had a huge smile and sense of humor. She was a longtime member of Allenhurst Presbyterian Church and was preceded in death by her husband, James Hunter, and parents, Carroll and Marie Howard.

Survivors are her daughters, Krystal Rhoden (Alan) of Ludowici and Ashley Hunter (Lori) of Pooler; son, James “Bubba” Hunter (Joy) of Ludowici; brothers, George Howard (Annette) of Richmond Hill and Terry “Rat” Howard (Sherri) of Westminster, SC; grandchildren, Destinee McElroy, Amari Hargrove, Hunter Rhoden, and Brielle Hunter; great-grandson, Robert McElroy; several nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 5, at 5 PM at A New Beginning Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

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