Emory Kelley Bunting passed away with her family by her side, following a courageous, nearly seven-year battle with a stroke and more recently cancer. She was born on the 7th of September 1937 in Houston, Texas, the only child of Emory Samuel Kelley and Daisy McConnell Kelley, both of whom preceded her in death. Emory was a 1955 graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, and remained active for many years with the alumni in planning their reunions. She graduated from The University of Texas in Austin where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Iota Chapter. She then went on to teach Middle School in the Spring Branch School District, in Houston, for thirty years. Her love for the teaching profession was obvious and was an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike, and she remained close with many of her students through the years. She was particularly fond of helping to produce the middle school musicals, and, at one point, was named Teacher of The Year. She was a lifelong member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Daughters of The Republic of Texas, and The Junior League of Houston.

Emory is survived by her husband of forty-five years, James Franklin Bunting; son, Stephen Andrew Bunting, daughter-in-law, Adrienne Barat Bunting; and two granddaughters, Sarah Gabrielle Bunting and Erica Kelley Bunting, all of Los Angeles, California; and by her daughter, Anne Emory Bunting of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by a large circle of close loving friends. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and her long-term caregivers Phyllis Broussard, Emily Taylor, and Dr. Sara Selleck of Baylor Clinic for their special care and attention.

Visitation with the family was on Thursday evening, March 5, 2009, in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston. The memorial service was conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, March 6, 2009, in the chapel of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston, where the Rev. Linda Christians officiated. Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family for a reception at a residential venue to be announced during the service. Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment ceremony at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Bunting may be directed to St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
From the Houston Chronicle on March 4, 2009