Dorothy Fay Hurst (nee Gordon) was born July 27, 1932, to Albert and Etta Gordon in Caruthersville, MO. Dorothy spent her childhood with her twin sister Martha and older sister, Evelyn. Having lost their father and later their mother and stepfather at young ages, Dorothy and her sisters were very close throughout their lives.
On July 12, 1946, Dorothy married Clifton Dewayne Hurst of Henderson, TN. They were married for 56 years before his passing on December 7, 2002. Dorothy and Clifton had six children, Kathryn Parker, John (Rosemary) Hurst, Donna (Stan) Rulo, Jerry Hurst, Patricia Hurst, and Deborah Hurst who passed away in infancy.
After spending the early years of their marriage in Caruthersville, the young family moved to St. Louis. In addition to the important work of caring for her children and their home, Dorothy had an extensive work history. Having only had the opportunity to complete an elementary education, Dorothy began her employment at Bristol-Meyers, working diligently for years until eventually retiring as a supervisor. Even after retirement, Dorothy liked to keep busy and spent years cleaning a local bank until her health declined.
Outside of work, Dorothy’s life was filled with family, friends, and involvement in church. A lifelong Lutheran, she was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church and Cross of Christ before becoming a member of Peace Lutheran Church. She shared her faith with her children and grandchildren and participated regularly in church activities and fundraisers. A highlight of her life was a trip she took to Jerusalem.
Dorothy’s final years were affected by dementia which led to her care at the St. Louis Altenheim and later Community Manor in Farmington, MO. Her family regularly visited and cared for her in these facilities and are grateful for those extra years they had to love her. She passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 7, 2024, at the age of 91.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, son Jerry, daughter Deborah, grandchildren Jarrid and Katie, and great-grandson Justin. Dorothy is survived by her daughters Kathryn, Donna, and Patricia, son John, grandchildren Barb, Robert, Travis, Clint, Shaun, Timothy, Matthew, Christal, and great-grandchildren Isabella, Christian, Caleb, Charlotte, Bexley, George, Terenee, Garrison, Gatlynn, Gunnison, and step great-grandchildren Joey, Bailey, Conor, and great-great-grandson, Shiloh.
Having been given such a long life, we have so many memories of Dorothy. We will cherish these until we see her again.
SERVICES: A visitation for Dorothy will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. Interment to follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan, Jefferson Barracks, MO 63125. Memorial contributions to Peace Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association are greatly appreciated.
