Community members gather to honor the life of Dahlia Neelo Noel Hunt, reflecting on her legacy.
The community of Forest, Mississippi, is grieving the loss of Dahlia Neelo Noel Hunt, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 98. A visitation and celebration of life service are scheduled as family and friends gather to honor her remarkable journey filled with kindness and strength. Dahlia’s legacy lives on through her family, who cherish her memory and contributions to the community.
Forest, Mississippi — The heart of the community is heavy with the loss of a beloved member, _Dahlia Neelo Noel Hunt_, who passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2025. She lived a remarkable 98 years filled with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit, even when life threw its challenges her way.
A visitation in honor of Dahlia will take place on July 5, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest. Following the visitation, a _celebration of her life_ service will commence at 3 p.m., culminating in a graveside service and internment at the Macedonia Church in Hillsboro, Mississippi. This heartfelt ceremony will be officiated by Rev. Reggie Tatum, who will surely share warm words celebrating the incredible woman Dahlia was.
Dahlia was born on July 12, 1926, in Scott County, Mississippi, to Houston Burlor Noel and Lela Naomi Aycock Noel. Growing up on a _cotton farm_ alongside her brother and sister, she learned the value of hard work and dedication early on. She graduated from Clifton High School in Hillsboro before heading off to further her education at Jones County Junior College. Dahlia’s thirst for knowledge led her to Southern Mississippi University, where she proudly graduated in 1947.
On April 17, 1948, she married the love of her life, _Philip Barnes Hunt_. Together, they accomplished many feats, including earning their master’s degrees from Mississippi State University in Starkville in August 1956. Dahlia devoted her career to education, working as a teacher and counselor in public schools across Mississippi. Her passion for nurturing young minds extended across state lines as she taught at Parkway Elementary School near St. Louis, Missouri, from 1964 to 1969, and spent five years as a high school counselor in Pascagoula.
After retiring in 1985, Dahlia and Philip moved to Pascagoula, where they enjoyed their golden years. They remained active in various _Baptist churches_, making a positive impact within their communities. A true champion of veterans, Dahlia volunteered with the American Legion Auxiliary, tirelessly creating wheelchair backpacks and terry cloth bibs for those in hospitals. In her leisure time, she found joy in crafting and reading, pursuits that reflected her creative spirit.
Family and adventure played a significant role in Dahlia’s life. She and Philip attended USS Columbia ship reunions each year, cherishing those moments together. In 2004, the couple delighted in a memorable Mississippi River boat cruise on the American Queen Riverboat. They traveled to Dollywood and Gatlinburg with their daughter in 2007 and even ventured to Las Vegas and several national parks in 2008. Her last trip, filled with waves and seagulls, took place in Biloxi in April 2019, a journey that exemplified her love for exploring and making memories.
Dahlia’s family continues her legacy, as she is survived by her daughter, _Phylliss Marie Hunt Moret_, in Richmond, Virginia, and daughter-in-law, Christee Hunt of Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Stephen Moret and his wife Heather, Eric Noel Moret and his wife Brighid, Megan Hunt Dell and her husband Ryan, and Jordan Hunt and his wife Ruth. Dahlia also took immense joy in her great-grandchildren, including Jackson, Samuel, Benjamin Moret, Mary Katherine Moret, and Declan Moret, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
While the family grieves the loss of Dahlia, they take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her late husband Philip, her son Danny Mike, her parents, and her siblings. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dahlia’s memory can make contributions to Sunnybrook Children’s Home or the Forest Baptist Church.
As arrangements are handled by the Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest, Mississippi, the community unites in remembering Dahlia as the radiant soul who touched many lives with her kindness, strength, and love.
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