Jo Ann Hurst

On Monday, April 1st, 2019, our most cherished, Jo Ann Hurst passed peacefully into eternity at the Bowers Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.   She was in her 87th year.

The second of four children, Jo Ann Haynes was born most fittingly on Valentine’s Day in 1932, at  Springton, a coal camp in Mecer county.  She was the daughter of the Ray and Mary Thomas Haynes; sisters, Shirlene Shoda, Nancy Mariotti and brother, Charles “Bud” Haynes  preceded her in death.

Jo Ann spent her childhood in Matoaka, West Virginia.   She was a 1950 graduate of Matoaka High School.   Jo Ann would fall in love with a young man from McComas, West Virginia, William Alfred Hurst.   They would marry on January 14th, 1950.   Jo Ann and Bill would settle in Beckley West Virginia. To their union was born three children, William Alfred Jr., Thomas Haynes and Sue Ann.   The family worshiped at First Christian Church, Court House Square. 

Jo Ann led an active life, raising her three children, always involved in their activities as they grew up.    Studying interior design, she freelanced as an interior designer throughout the years.  Jo Ann loved beauty.   She was a past member of the Beckley Junior Women’s Club, the Jayceettes , and the Beckley Art Club. 

At the end of the day, Jo Ann’s greatest passion was her family that has grown over the years.   Bill makes his home in Beckley, Sue Ann is married to Roddy Baber and they reside here as well.  Jo Ann has faced great challenges.   The last survivor of her immediate family, she would face the loss of her beloved Bill on May 18th, 2005, their son Tom passed on April 28th, 2011, and now “Oh Glad Reunion.”

Jo Ann was the proud “Grand Mere” to her loving grandchildren, Toni Hurst Truett, Angela Hurst Casey (Jerry), Thomas Hurst Jr., William Casey Baber and Christopher Thomas Baber (Kayla).  She was the proud great-grandmother of Garrett, Allie, Avery, Hatch, Coda,Mia, Talan, MaKena and Tegan.   Jo Ann was extremely fond of her nieces and nephews of the Haynes and Hurst families.   There is one surviving brother-in-law, James Boult who survives as well.   When Jo Ann got to heaven, she not only saw all her family, but her canine buddy, Baxter T Dog, who lived to be 19 and passed last year.  

 Jo Ann always kept the faith.   Her moto in life, “Today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday, and all is well.”    When her family reflected on her they shared these thoughts,” Mother never said a cross word to anyone.”  

This Saturday, April 6th, we will honor the life of Jo Ann Hurst.   There will be a “Service of Remembrance” at 1:00 pm in the Melton Mortuary Chapel.    Rev. Don Snyder will be officiating.   Jo Ann will be entombed with her beloved Bill in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum.    The family will be receiving friends at 11:00 am.   If so desired, the family suggests donations of sympathy to First Christian Church, 119 N. Fayette St., Beckley, WV  25801 or the Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472, Beckley, West Virginia 25802

What a good life!  Challenges and tests of faith, many; joy, happiness, laughter, good times, THEY so outweighed the sad times.   No better day to be born for Jo Ann Hurst than Valentine’s Day.   God speed…

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