A Tribute to Dr. Juanita Kirkland Hunter
Dr. Juanita Kirkland Hunter passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. She was a faithful member of First Shiloh Baptist Church. Dr. Hunter left a legacy of service to the nursing profession and was a leader in the education of future nurses. This Columnist presented her with the Roses for Outstanding Woman award in 2015. This award was given in recognition of the work of hundreds of women in Western New York who made positive contributions in the city of Buffalo in many areas.
In this day and age when we have a shortage of nurses nationally, it is important to recognize our healthcare professionals. Dr. Hunter was a role model for many years and led the way for so many African Americans. Dr. Hunter was born in Buffalo to Albert and Mamie Kirkland in 1930. She was raised in a large close-knit family deeply connected to the history of the Great Migration and the development of Buffalo’s Black community. She earned her nursing diploma at the E. J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Her nursing career spanned more than fifty years and touched every aspect of the field—clinical practice, public health, academia, and professional leadership. She served in hospital and community settings including the E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital (now the Erie County Medical Center). She was an exceptional teacher, a mentor, and colleague. She helped to shape generations of nurses, teaching them the science of care and the importance of advocacy and compassion. Her academic work was recognized by the nursing profession. Dr. Hunter also worked at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Her story is included in a book called, “Buffalo’s Blacks Talking Proud” written by the Late Historian and nurse Eva M. Noles. The book is in the public library. This book tells the stories of hundreds of Black professionals that have made history in areas of law, medicine, social work, education, business, media, politics and many other fields. This book was included in my classroom when I taught in the Buffalo public schools. It is a reference book for students to learn more about the history of African Americans.
In his eulogy, Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Staples, Senior Pastor of First Shiloh talked Dr. Hunter’s life story and accomplishments. He noted that Dr. Hunter taught, she empowered, she spoke with integrity. She gave her very best. She left excellence with her church family and her children. Her excellence extended beyond her household. She brought wisdom.” This columnist remembers Dr. Hunter with Honor and Respect.
Dr. Hunter was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Mamie Kirkland and her husband Archie Hunter. She is survived by her children: Jeffrey A. Hunter (Mattie), Wayne B. Hunter, and Gail D. Hunter (Nadine). Her grandchildren: Melissa Hunter, Olivia Hunter Glinski, and Bryant Hunter Glinski, her siblings: Beatrice Kirkland, Rev. Dr. Margaret Kirkland, Jeanette Clinton, and Tarabu Betserai Kirkland (Nobuko) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.
She leaves behind a powerful legacy of service!! May she rest among the angels of Heaven. Honor and Respect to her memory!!