“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She looks well to the ways of her household and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Prov 31:10, 27-28)
Frances “Joyce” Hurley of Bryan passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. She was born in Albion, Michigan on November 13, 1929 to Warren Francis and Ruth Lucile Mosher Dowding. She married Merton J. “Bud” Hurley on February 2, 1949 and together they raised four sons. Joyce was a Christian and a member of Southern Oaks Baptist Church in Bryan.
Bud and Joyce owned and operated a Goodyear Tire franchise in Albion until 1985 when they moved to Texas. Joyce retired from Texas A&M University where she had worked as a book-keeper in the Food Service Department. She was an admirable home-maker and accomplished baker. Her house was immaculate; no smudge or dust bunny escaped her. Her favorite store was Pier One and she loved to decorate in keeping with the seasons. Joyce also loved music and played the piano well. She had a hard head, a strong backbone, and a large heart.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Dowding, and her son David Merton Hurley and his wife Lois. She is survived by her husband of over 69 years, Bud Hurley, and their sons and daughters-in-law: Larry and Jeanine Hurley (Tucson, AZ), Mike and Pam Hurley (Sherman, TX), and Tim and Mary Jo Hurley (Bryan, TX). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law June Hurley Petty and husband Donald, and many nephews, nieces, neighbors and friends.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. The memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Southern Oaks Baptist Church, 9301 Grassbur Road, Bryan TX 77808 with Pastor Ramiro Castillo presiding. The family will be present for visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am. Joyce will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial donations to Southern Oaks Baptist Church or Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan TX 77803.
