Vera T. Hurst

Vera Teague Hurst, blessed with a great love of life and longevity, passed away January 16, 2018. Vera was born March 6, 1916 in Alexander County, NC, one of eight children of Gus and Bertha Stafford Teague. Vera’s early years were spent in the Lexington and Greensboro areas, in small textile communities where she learned the values of family, friendship, and Christ. Clyde C. Hurst, of Rockingham, was captivated by the shy beauty and innate sweetness of Vera once they met in Erlanger. The two eloped, resulting in a strong marriage of 52 years, and two children, William W. Hurst and Anne Bell Woods.

Vera and Clyde worked hard in the textile mills those early years, taking different shifts so the children could be cared for at home. They moved often as Clyde’s career progressed, living all over VA, NC, SC and GA. But there seemed to be no end to Vera’s unique talents as well, she worked for a realty company as an office manager/accountant, taught Sunday school and bible school, was a salesperson in both clothing and jewelry stores, and was even a PTA president in Hartwell Ga! Eventually though, Vera transitioned to focusing her energies on being a full time homemaker, supporting her husband and children by providing the stability of a loving home in whatever town it happened to be located in that year.

Upon Clyde’s early retirement in the late 1960’s, they settled back in NC, mostly in Elon College and High Point. For fifteen years, they owned several small apartment buildings, housing college students. Vera worked side by side with Clyde, keeping the properties in shape. They were able to focus much time with their growing family those years, as Bill and Anne provided them with six grandchildren. They also developed a fondness for campers, spending winters in FL and taking the grandchildren on trips during the summer.

After Clyde’s passing in 1992, Vera moved to Orlando, FL to live with her daughter Anne.
Vera was an active contributor to Anne’s household, fixing meals and keeping house, so Anne could concentrate on her art business. Vera enjoyed daily swims and nature there, particularly gardening and bird-watching. Anne and her husband Paul relocated to Garner, NC with Vera in 2013, so she could spend her last years on earth in NC, where she had begun. Sadly, Vera lost her son William in 2009, and her son-in-law Paul in 2017.

Vera Hurst is survived by her daughter Anne Woods and her sister Naomi Breland. She also leaves behind her six grandchildren: Calvin Bell, Margaret Hurst, Melinda Bell Dickey, LeAnn Hurst Fenton, Carolyn Hurst Collins and John Bell. Three great-grandchildren also survive: Ross Collins, Melinda Collins Spicer and Carson Bell. Vera will be lovingly remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness, and grace by all who were privileged to know her.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wake County, https://transitionslifecare.org/donate/