Mary Eleanor Hurt

Mary Eleanor Hurt of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away suddenly on September 19, 2024. Born May 9, 1939 in West Virginia, she enjoyed each day and loved all things beautiful ~ kindness, curiosity, the innocence of children, achieving goals, love of family and friends, the spring green every year, fine art and great music were her loves. She designed and sewed most of her clothing starting in the 5th grade. She won a national Seventeen magazine doll contest in 8th grade creating a 'Young Bess' costumed doll. As an elementary student she began drawing portraits. This avocation became a vocation as she painted professionally for many years. She excelled academically all through school (with an exception of a 'D" in typing). At the University of Tennessee she had the highest GPA in the sophomore class. In 1959, she married William Whitfield Hurt and moved to Orlando, where he was employed with Martin-Marietta Aerospace. Their three children were born there ~ Maury, David and Amy ~ They filled her life with wonder, challenges and joy. She told them she would take credit if they turned out well, but it was their responsibility if they did not. Each of them became an exceptional adult. When Bill became President of Montreat College, North Carolina, in 1992, her life changed. As the First Lady of Montreat she hosted many events for students, faculty, trustees and alumni friends of the college. Connecting the college to the community in new and creative ways became a passion for Mary Eleanor. She brought beauty to the campus with particular pride and joy in the Chapel of the Prodigal. Mary Eleanor loved planning trips for Trustees and Friends of the College. Upon retirement in 2002, they returned to Knoxville where their daughter Amy and husband Fred were living. Having grown up in Knoxville, it was a return to longtime family and friends. Their son, Maury, an architect, designed their new home and son-in-law, Fred Trainer was their builder. When son David, a published author, moved to Knoxville from Washington, DC, it brought all the family within a two hour drive. During these years Bill and Mary Eleanor enjoyed many fabulous and adventurous trips around the world. Her ability to describe destinations and inspire curiosity actually led her to start her own travel agency. This love of travel became a legacy, Grandmary and Grandfather giving each grandchild a trip to anywhere they chose to go on their 8th and 11th birthdays. Every Christmas she designed a hand drawn angel card depicting angels she had seen throughout her travels. Her living faith in Christ has been at the core of her life, who she is and whose she is ~ Even now she is joyfully running to meet her Lord and Saviour. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Whitfield Hurt, Maury Whitfield Hurt and Margaret, David Bruce Hurt and Amy Elizabeth Trainer and Fred, and her beloved grandchildren, William, Charlie, Mary Margaret, Bela and Whit and her lifelong friend, Cheryl Ingle MacLeish of Orlando. Mary Eleanor is a treasure to so many lives. Her joy of life, her love of beauty and her endless curiosity made for a life so well lived. Those whom she loved knew it ~ The memorial service will be at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 27, at 2:00 in the Chapel. Reception immediately following in Barron Hall. Memorial gifts may be made to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church (3700 Keowee Ave. SW, Knoxville, 37919), the Heritage Fund (214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington DC, 20002), or the Nursing Center at Little Creek (1811 Little Creek Ln., Knoxville, 37922). Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Mary Eleanor Hurt

May 9, 1939 - September 19, 2024