James Etta "Candy" Hurdle

In the stillness of the morning on July 3, 2011, Jesus called and James Etta Meekins entered into rest. James Etta, aka “Candy”, was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 16, 1927 to James Arthur Meekins and Maggie Brock and was an only child. At an early age, Candy confessed her belief in Jesus Christ, was baptized and joyfully shared her faith with others. Candy loved the Lord and always stood firmly on her faith.

Candy attended Phyllis Wheatley High School in San Antonio and Prairie View College in Hempstead, Texas, where she became a Practical Nurse. She met and married Chester Arthur Hurdle on December 23, 1948 and to their union had 5 children.

Candy loved being a wife and mother. When she married Chester, who was in the Air Force, they lived in several states and was active with the bowling leagues on each base. She was dedicated to her children’s school work and encouraged them to excel in their professional lives. She loved family vacations and especially the trips she and Chester’s took to Hawaii and their favorite, Niagara Falls.

Candy had a gift for designing flower arrangements and writing poetry, which she shared with her family and friends. She was an active member of the Sylvan Oaks “EGGs” and current member of Bayside Church, Citrus Heights and the Senior “Classics” Bible Study group.

Candy Hurdle is survived by her husband, Chester, and 5 children; Kenneth A. Hurdle of Sacramento; Donald A. Hurdle and wife Maria of Sacramento, Phyllis L. Williamson and husband Harold of Antelope, Candis Hurdle Noel of Lake Balboa, Michelle L. Bradford and husband Richard of Vancouver, Washington; 6 grandchildren, Kalima Speights, Rodric Bradford, Kevin Hurdle, Aleeza Hurdle, Brianna Hurdle, Jarrek Hurdle, Eric Williamson; 3 great grandchildren, Tay-John Hurdle, Maya James, Angel Darius, and many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held July 9, 2011 at Bayside of Citrus Heights, 6540 Sylvan Road, Citrus Heights, CA 95610. Interment will be at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. A viewing will also be held on July 8, 2011, in the Family Chapel in the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or 1545 River Park Drive, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815, 916 446-7933, in her memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary, Fair Oaks, CA.