Natalie Joy Hunt

Natalie Joy Hunt, born April 21, 2004, is "Star" to close friends, and what a star she was. Light and ambition rippled in her so brightly, it could be seen from miles away.

By the time we see stars here on earth, they have already been collapsing in on themselves for years. By the time we see a star burn brightest, it is already gone. Only those closest saw the overwhelming, devastating, brilliant combustion take place, but those far away remain in awe of a star's beauty long after.

Our Star's light reached earth on October 28th, 2025. She had been fighting a traumatic brain injury for fifteen years due to childhood sports concussions. Natalie did not want to be remembered or judged for her illness. She treated her middle name, "Joy," as her purpose, finding laughter and happiness in everything, creating joy radically in spite of her trauma. Our family took Star to over thirty doctors and hospitals seeking help as her traumatic brain injury started to cause severe mental health struggles. She wanted to live more than anything, but chose to end her pain after a very long, very traumatic battle against mental and physical illness.

We deeply grieve a sister, a daughter, a best friend, a lover, a future sister-in-law, niece, cousin, and a friend to everyone she met. While our family has spent years fighting against the darkness in Natalie's brain, there was never a trace of it in her heart.

Star loved to dance, sing, play, and create art. She will be remembered for her bright pink hair, avant-garde fashion designs, resiliently sunny humor, and her lifelong dream to animate cartoons. Natalie's empathy and whimsy led her to work with children and animals, ensuring every soul felt loved and included no matter what. She leaves behind an incredible amount of artwork- she sewed, sculpted, painted, animated, wrote, knit, and created in more mediums than we can count. She never stopped creating beauty, bringing light into a world built against her.

On November 7 from 1-3 PM, we will celebrate the life of a Star who is finally free of pain, who leaves behind a shining light of creativity, joy, beauty, and laughter. Natalie never wanted to have a sad or traditional memorial, so our celebration of life will take place at Sparkles Kennesaw, 1000 McCollum Pkwy NW. We kindly request that all attendees wear pink in her honor as we skate, dance, create art, and remember the love Nat leaves behind.

Natalie is survived by her big sister, parents (Rodney Hunt and Ronda Flowers Hunt), future in-law, best friend, partner, aunts and uncles, pets, cousins, and many, many, more who loved her dearly.

Those who feel inclined to support our family in this time are invited to contribute to Star's Memorial Fund. Most importantly, though, we encourage everyone to create art, no matter how big or small. Hold on to your kindness, have empathy for stories you don't fully know or understand, listen to your inner child. Keep loving, living, and creating