Obituary of Mary Hurt

Mrs. Mary Hurt, went on to Glory Tuesday, August 22, 2023. The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Hurt will be held on Saturday September, 2 2023 at the Vaughn Greene Funeral home Chapel Locxated on 8728 Liberty Rd Randallstowm MD. 21133 with a wake at 3:00 p.m. and services to follow at 3:30 p.m. With cherished family around her, a glass of Crown raised in her honor, a handful of scratch-offs, and the soulful melodies of Al Green filling the air, Mary Evelyn knew how to turn every moment into a celebration. Born Mary Evelyn Pleasant, to Ollie O'Neal Pleasant ("All over the World!") and Anna Rea Pleasant, Mary was a radiant beacon in the lives of her 11 siblings. She exuded unwavering loyalty and friendship to countless souls. She cared for multitudes during her career as a Registered Nurse and Assisted Living Director. She pursued entrepreneurial endeavors, opening and managing "Our Sister's Place" an adult assisted living facility named to honor her late sister, Sylvia Maxwell. She was a proud, strong, intelligent Black woman who embraced the roles of wife and mother, and painted a vision of possibility for all who knew her. Sadly, while surrounded by the love of her adoring family, Mary Evelyn Hurt peacefully passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Born in Turbeville, SC on October 30, 1944—or rather, October 26, as she first drew breath on that day, official records held a four-day delay. Mama Anna Rea, present at the momentous occasion, declared with maternal authority, "You arrived on the 26th. I know, for I was there!" The family's journey led them from Turbeville to the vibrant heart of Detroit, MI, where Mary grew up and pursued her education. The fourth-born among twelve, she shouldered a remarkable responsibility in caring for her younger siblings while Mom and Dad worked to make ends meet. Her nurturing spirit blossomed, laying the foundation for her future as a caring guardian to thousands. Mary's journey through Detroit's streets and classrooms, including her time at Miller Junior High and Southeastern High schools, bestowed her with unique blessings. Growing up amidst the budding talents of the Temptations and forming friendships with icons like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin before they soared to fame, Mary's life was hard, but enhanced with connections that left an indelible mark. Stories of Reverend Franklin setting up a tab at a local eatery, allowing Mary and Aretha to share meals during tough times. Mama would later tell us, "Times were tough...and I was hungry!" As she grew older, Mary's heart swayed to the rhythm of admiration for Marvin Gaye, while her sister Sylvia's courtship with Jackie Wilson unfolded. A teenager unafraid to speak her mind, Mary was reported to have labelled Sylvia a "fool" for declining Wilson's advances. Word on the street was that she was aiming to keep Sylvia away from Marvin! In any case, Mary ended up exactly where her heart was meant to be - marrying the father of her children and establishing a life in Baltimore, MD. Although that initial love eventually waned, resulting in divorce, Mary and her ex-husband managed to forge a remarkable friendship. This unique bond proved pivotal when she entered into marriage once again, this time with Bill, uniting them in raising a combined family of six children. While her early career saw her working as a cashier at a local cleaners, Mary wanted a brighter future for herself and her family. The turning point came when she was given an opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. Through a grant from South Baltimore General Hospital, she embarked on a journey that transformed her life. Starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), she seized this chance and propelled herself forward, achieving the status of a Registered Nurse (RN) and later obtaining a master's in geriatric care. She concluded her professional journey as a Director of Nursing and MDS Coordinator, making significant contributions to multiple facilities across the Baltimore region. Her genuine affection for her profession was matched only by her deep compassion for her patients. Mary's legacy is one of perseverance, personal growth, and a boundless affection for those under her care. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of seizing opportunities and turning them into a remarkable tale of success and fulfilment. With a stature that commanded attention, Mary stood tall. She was driven by a fervent desire for the best for herself and her family, her aspirations illuminated her path. She was a woman of authenticity who embraced both the radiant and shadowy corners of her being. In her imperfections, she found the perfection of acceptance and an unwavering connection to Christ's teachings and the reflective tapestry of life. Mary Evelyn's legacy is etched in the hearts of the countless lives she touched, the dreams she nurtured, and the resilience she embodied. Her memory lives on, a testament to the warmth and love she spread, forever resonating in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Order of Service PROCESSIONAL WITH MUSIC Rough Side of The Mountain, Rev. F.C. Barnes PRAYER Dr. Curtis Witherspoon, Sr. OLD TESTAMENT READING Evelyn Dawson-Hendricks Psalm 23: 1-4 MUSIC Mary, Take 6 SCHEDULED REMARKS Brenda Allen THE FAMILY SPEAKS D'Anna Dawson Mohammed Hashim SILENT READINGS OBITUARY & POEMS MUSIC Where Peaceful Waters Flow, Gladys Knight & the Pips SERMON/WORDS OF COMFORT Dr. Curtis Witherspoon, Sr. FINAL THOUGHTS & MUSIC The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, Gladys Knight CLOSING PRAYERS, BLESSING, & BENEDICTION MUSIC Love & Happiness by Al Greene