Hurst, Beverly May Arnold

Beverly May Arnold Hurst, 89, of Blacksburg, departed this life on August 11, 2011. A beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and true friend to many, Beverly died at home with her husband, Homer T Hurst, by her side, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. A quiet, modest woman, her entire life reflected the Lord’s charge: “Seek justice, love kindness, walk humbly with the Lord” (Micah 6:8). Beverly was born in Oklahoma on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1921, the third of seven children born to Jefferson Green and Nancy Rogers Arnold. She grew up in the Ozarks of Arkansas, and worked as a Registered Nurse before marrying Homer T. Hurst, then a young Navy pilot. Two opposites, they formed a vibrant, fruitful marriage and partnership that lasted almost 67 years and produced four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. While raising her children and supporting her husband’s active career, Beverly proved to be a capable business woman, helping Homer in successful investment and management of real estate. Beverly was sensitive and compassionate to the needs of others. Without self-righteousness, she opposed racism and classism in all forms. She maintained a peaceful home always open to persons of all backgrounds. Beverly was grateful to serve as a deacon and President of the Church Women at Northside Presbyterian. A lover of music, dance, literature and nature, she maintained a great sense of humor to the end. Beverly Hurst will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Homer T. Hurst; children, Homer T. (Ted) Hurst,Jr., Hyla and (h) Jim Stockbridge, JaNan Hurst and (h) Rudy Flora, Rhoda Hurst; grandchildren, Lori Meese, Stacy and (h) Russell Minichello, John Hayden and (w) Tiffany Curtis, Rehanna and Navid Rojiani, Adam and Jessica Hurst and (h) Jordan Evans, Laila Strickland and (h) Shayne Juiliani, Jennessa Strickland, and stepgranddaughter, Sonja Flora; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Braydon, and Savannah Minichello, Benjamin and Hope Meese, Levi Juiliani, and stepgreat-granddaughter, Amanda Flora. Beverly is also survived by three beloved sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special family friends include Margaret A. Lambert Burton, Howard Runyon and Betty Smith. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Human Touch Home Health and Good Samaritan Hospice, who enriched our lives and enabled Beverly to remain in her home. A special thank you goes to Rosa Queen, Pam Link, Melissa,and Sara. A Memorial Service will be held on August 27, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Northside Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg with the Rev. Linda Dickerson officiating. The family will receive friends and visitors at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to Northside Presbyterian Church, 1017 Progress Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Condolences to Homer Hurst may be mailed c/o Rhoda Hurst, 571 Indian Valley Road, Radford VA 24141.