Barbara Jean Hurd

Barbara Jean Hurd was born in Sioux City, Iowa on Valentines Day, February 14th, 1933. She worked at a Sonic drive-in serving on roller skates, won a medal for synchronized swimming, and became a lifeguard. Thankfully she was able to dive in and lifted up one of her young sons, who dove in a pool and headed down, but she saved him. Ending up in the Detroit area, she met Byron Thomas Hurd at Wayne State University, and soon after got married and started a wonderful family travelling around the country as the jobs led Byron.

Barbara decided to raise a family before finishing her education, waiting until after the four boys were older. She got her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in education and started blessing the children of Homewood families, teaching for twenty years. Barbara resided in the Chicago, Illinois area, the Naples, Florida area, Kennesaw, Georgia, and for the last six years, the Nashville, Tennessee area. Barbara loved playing all kinds of games with her family and friends. Later in life after raising four artists, she began to paint, and paint she did, so beautifully. She played piano and had a beautiful singing voice. Barbara gifted all four boys with a 50 years in photos board for each one as they turned 50.

A cherished presence in the lives of those who knew her, Barbara will be remembered as a devoted wife of more than 60 years and a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose steady loyalty and gentle care shaped her family across generations. Her kind-hearted, selfless spirit was felt most clearly in the traditions she held close, especially Thanksgiving gatherings that brought everyone together—and in the generous warmth of her home, where her famous baked cookies became a simple, enduring expression of love.

Barbara’s faithful commitment extended beyond her family life into her work and community. A dedicated and passionate schoolteacher, she approached her calling with the quiet diligence of someone who believed in showing up, working hard, and giving her best each day. She also served with constancy through Rotary International and was a past member of the Flossmoor Community Church and Flossmoor Country Club.

Barbara embraced life with energy and purpose. Well-traveled in the United States and abroad, she carried a gracious curiosity wherever she went. She was also notably competitive as a golfer and bowler—bringing focus, determination, and a spirited enjoyment to the games she loved.

Barbara was the daughter of the late Ellis H. Ekeroth and Genevieve Lamas Ekeroth and was also preceded in death by her husband, Byron Hurd; brother, John Ekeroth; and grandson, Andrew Hurd.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Dr. Thomas E. Hurd and his wife Deborah, Roger A. Hurd, John Douglas Hurd and his wife Waldina, and James B. Hurd and his wife Kim; grandchildren, Dan Hurd, Elizabeth Hurd, Evan Hurd, Tyler Hurd, Sarah Hurd Holmes, John Anthony Hurd, Ryan Hurd, Zachary Hurd, and Amy Hurd Bratten; and great-grandchildren, Hayden Hurd, Hallie Hurd, Hayes Hurd, Hutton Hurd, Charlotte Hurd, Blair Hurd and Hardin Hurd.

Barbara’s family will have a celebration of her life around Thanksgiving.