Catherine LaPlace Hurston

Catherine LaPlace Hurston, native of St Gabriel and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, left this world on November 9th, 2021. She was a graduate of St. Gabriel High School and of Louisiana State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She was married to Morton Cecil Hurston, Jr. for many years. Together they had two daughters, Paige and Melissa. She taught for numerous years at St. George School and St. Jude the Apostle School, worked for Josten’s Learning Corporation, as well as, having her own bridal consulting business, Wedding Belles. LSU football and basketball were her favorites, and she spent many enjoyable times at the games, Stadium Club, Tip Off Club, Bengal Belles and out of town events. She loved to read and write and had several short stories published. She loved both St. George and St. Jude schools and churches, so much so, that she was a member of both church communities, participating in Bible and study groups at each of them. Her faith was very important to her. One of the highlights of her life was working as a volunteer at the Olympics held in Atlanta in 1996. After retiring, she began to travel all over the world, and she especially enjoyed the Catholic Answers trips and cruises. Her four grandchildren filled her life with pride, pleasure and companionship. She tried not to miss any of their events and often took them on her travels. Especially close to her heart were her longtime friends, Angel Cunningham and Nick Ortego. Catherine and Morton spent the last several years of their life together spending time with family, traveling and at home with their beloved dog, Zoey. She is survived by the father of her children and lifetime companion, Morton Cecil Hurston, Jr., and her daughters, Paige Hurston Mitts and Melissa Hurston Carroll; her grandchildren, Richard Aubrey Carroll and David Hurston Carroll, William L. Mitts III and Jacqueline Kate Mitts; her brother, A.J. LaPlace, Jr. and his spouse, Lynda; her sisters, Jeanne Billodeaux and spouse, John; Denise Delahoussaye and spouse, Glenn. She is also survived by three nephews, two nieces and numerous cousins. Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey and Jacqueline LaPlace, and a sister in law, Darlene LaPlace. Special thanks to all of those who assisted in her care at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Friday, November 12, 2021. Immediate family only will attend. She will be buried at St. Gabriel Catholic Church Cemetery next to her parents and her grandparents.