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Cynthia Hurd Obituary
Hurd, 54, was the manager of one of the busiest branches of the Charleston County library system. In her honor, the system closed all 16 of its branches Thursday, the day after her death.
She grew up in Charleston, and her mother made sure they went Emanuel AME Church on Sundays, Wednesdays and any other time it was open, said her brother Malcom Graham, a former state senator from North Carolina.
"I wasn't surprised on a Wednesday night she was there," Graham said Thursday.
Hurd's husband is a merchant sailor currently at sea near Saudi Arabia. Graham was trying to help him get home.
When Graham spoke to his sister last weekend, she said she couldn't wait for her 55th birthday on Sunday, he said.
She was also looking toward retirement after 31 years of library work. The library issued a statement remembering Hurd as "a tireless servant of the community who spent her life helping residents, making sure they had every opportunity for an education and personal growth."
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
306 Entries
Donley Mouchette-Montano
February 19, 2023
Although it has been a short period since you left us I have never forgotten the college years in Atlanta. You had a blessed spirit and I'm sure your soul is shining in Heaven. With love always Cynt, rest my friend .
Ida M. Worix
June 23, 2020
STILL REMEMBERING YOUR KINDNESS AND SINCERE WILLINGNESS TO
ASSIST OTHERS IN ALL WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THEIR INTEREST IN EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE OF THE LIBRARY AND ITS OFFERINGS! WHAT A "GIFT" YOU WERE AND WE ALL "MISS" AND "LOVE" YOU! REST IN PEACE!
*BURKE HIGH - CLASS 1959 FOR ALWAYS MAKING MEETING ROOM ACCOMODATIONS PLEASURABLE!
Marian Apomah
June 21, 2020
What a great legacy left by Cynthia Graham Hurd.
Carrie Jones
March 1, 2017
Still praying for your family and community. Cynthia is not forgotten. I am praying for the peace that passes all understanding to guard your minds in Christ Jesus. Praying for provision and hope as well.
How you can show support
Pat Gilleland
December 15, 2016
Cynthia was so much fun and had the greatest smile. Am praying for you all.
Robert Oxley
August 26, 2015
I was richly rewarded to have known Ms. Cynthia and her expertise at the St. Andrews library. She always was there to solve situations and to listen and help.
St. Andrews library and the Charleston Community have truly lost a valuable person.
RIP Ms. Cynthia
T. Evans
August 23, 2015
Good Sunday Afternoon,
Today I said a prayer on behalf of the Hurd family. I truly am blessed to have meet Cynthia just a few months ago. She took the time to show my husband and I around Charleston, and we sand gospel songs as she showed me her church. I'm sure she is sincerely missed, because she touched my life for even a brief moment.
Christyn Billinsky
July 13, 2015
When Cynthia was in library school, I was one of her teachers and also her advisor. She was one of those students a teacher never forgets - enthusiastic, determined, a wise and well spoken contributor to class discussions. She clearly carried those characteristics forward throughout her career. My deepest condolences to her immediate family and to the extended family of all people whose lives were brightened by Cynthia's presence.
Julie Lynch
July 9, 2015
Cynthia always brightened our day when we were at the Dart library. She was so much fun with my twin boys. You could tell she loved her job and the people she helped. We will miss her always smiling face.
July 3, 2015
To Arthur and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God continue to bless you and your family.
The Littles, Virginia
Naomi Washington
July 1, 2015
Cynthia left such a legacy of learning and a life of treasuring books. Her years of patience and diligent service to her South Carolinian patrons were greatly appreciated. She will be missed. I have fond memories of our James Simons and Charleston High days. Peace be unto you Arthur, Jackie, and Malcolm. One day at a time.
Naomi
marsha
July 1, 2015
Hurd Family I want to express my sincere condolences on your loss. At times like these the scriptures are a great source of comfort. 2 Cor 1:2-4. May God continue to be with your family.
Sonya Fordham
June 30, 2015
I am also a life long reader. I met Mrs. Hurd on different occasions at the libraries that she managed. I was helped by her as I tried to find books that matched the interest of my students. I wish the family finds the comfort that only God can give them in these troubled times. May the blessings from God keep the family strong.
K Gaines
June 29, 2015
May God Bless you all....find your peace in the Lord.
Robert Newman
June 29, 2015
Dear Cynthia Graham Hurd family, I am so sorry for your losst. May God comfort and watch over you during this hard time. May Cynthia Rest In Peace! May the Peace of the Lord be with you.
cynthia hazel
June 29, 2015
I will miss Cynthia Hurd 's smile when I enter the library. Be at peace!
cynthia hazel
June 29, 2015
To The Graham and Hurd families; may the Lord continue to shed his grace upon you all and comfort you all thru this season of your lives. The Hazel family is praying for you.
Barbara Clarke
June 29, 2015
God is love and he cares for you. My deepest sympathy to you at this trying time.
Emily P
June 29, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I was lucky enough to hear a loving tribute to Cynthia here at Metropolitan AME from Mignon Clyburn, and her stories about Cynthia made the whole church smile.
You are in the prayers of people all over the world. We are all sending love your way from all directions in this very sad time.
Annie Mason
June 28, 2015
Thinking of all nine families and praying that God gives you even greater strength.
Sylvia Collins
June 28, 2015
To the Graham and Hurd families; may God continue to wrap his ever loving arms around you all and comfort you in your time of loss. The nation is praying with you.
June 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
L Walker
June 28, 2015
Dear Graham and Hurd families,
Please accept my humble wish for the healing of your grieving hearts. My family and I will pray for your families and hope that you be able to feel some measure of comfort and strength now and in the days to come. I believe you could not have love your loved one more just much longer.
God Bless you and keep you.
The Glass, Lamb,Martin and Walker Family
members of St. John A.M.E. Church
Dorothy Morgan-Quelch
June 28, 2015
You have set an example, now we will try to work to keep your legacy worthy. My sincere condolences go out to the Hurd family, church family and friends.
Dorothy Morgan-Quelch (Maryland)
Ronda West
June 28, 2015
Rest in the safety of the saviours arms.
Donna Sykes
June 27, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Hurd-Graham families. May God comfort and bless you all.
Patsy Green
June 27, 2015
Mrs Cynthia I willl miss you, Your kindness and that beautiful smile,praying for the family, Rest In Peace
Bobbie Rudin
June 27, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the Hurd family, to the Mother Emanuel Church family, to her Library family and to All who knew and loved her. May God's loving grace surround you and may He reach down to comfort each of you in the challenging and difficult days ahead.
Rest in Peace Cynthia.
Ida Worix
June 27, 2015
Dear Family: Remembrance is loves greatest gift. I'll miss her smiling face at the library (St. Andrews). She was always helpful and gracious and loved her job! You have my deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace!
Doren Davis
June 27, 2015
My God take you in his arms and give you rest. To the Hurd family we of the Davis family will pray for you always.
Valerie Yvette Miles-Green
June 27, 2015
Words can't express my feelings. Cynthia and I started at Clark together. We were Sorors and graduated together. Cynthia and I both shared the love of reading and helping others. Remember God do not make mistakes. What the devil meant for evil God will turn it around for the good. Rest in God love and peace my sister. Class of 1982
June 27, 2015
May God bless you and keep you.
Pat Yeary
STELL JOHNSON
June 27, 2015
My brothers and sisters..But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. You will meet her again!!!
studmusic faceporter
June 27, 2015
You will be missed beyond measure my family and you're family as well as the community will truly miss you we love you more than all the words of all the books in all the world I feel blessed just knowing the kind person you were has touched so many that you will always be in every word of every book in all the world....
My God Bless You
For their is no feasible explanation why you had to go so soon...
Parker Brown-Nesbit
June 27, 2015
Although I didn't know Cynthia well, we shared a love of books and libraries, and I thought she was incredibly special.
May you find solace in the Creator's love.
Steve Roehling
June 27, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Graham and Hurd families. I worked with Cynthia at the Main Library, 1987-1991. She took the time to come say goodbye to me when I left Charleston in 1992. I have never forgotten that and many other acts of kindness I saw her do. I supervised her for three years and can honestly say she was one of the best employees I have ever known: smart, dependable, even-tempered, kind, considerate, perceptive, and with a great sense of humor. My heart broke last Wednesday. My love goes out from here at the Texas-Mexico border to all of you back in Charleston. May you get through this and be strong again.
Soror Angela D Mathews
June 27, 2015
On this beautiful sunny Saturday, I say farewell to my sorority sister & sister in Christ, Cynthia Graham Hurd. Alpha Pi chapter and all alumna of Clark Atlanta University will remember you always. You have made us all proud to have known you. I am confident that God met & received you that fateful evening. So on behalf of my family, our CAU family and our dear sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., we bid farewell. We pray for strength for your family. Rest well, my dear Ivy Beyond the Wall. Big Sister Songbird looks forward to singing w/ you in the heavenly choir one day. Love & peace to you always...."for we know there's no other like our sisterhood...Alpha...Kappa...Alpha!"
La Shonda Brown
June 27, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Hurd and Graham families. There are no words strong enough to ease the pain. But just know that God's grace is merciful.
June 27, 2015
May Almighty God make it easy on your family,
v/r,
-Daniel Williams, Ship's Carpenter, USNS Arctic
June 27, 2015
Soror Cynthia, your death will not be in vain. You have inspired so many, and your strength, grace, and goodness will forever be remembered on the vine.
Sisterly,
Soror Lesley
LORRAINE BACKMAN
June 27, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Shirley Neumann
June 27, 2015
Deepest sympathy to your family. We are one in the spirit. God bless.
Virginia Hunt-Brooks
June 27, 2015
Our prayers of comfort and God's blessings are being lifed up to the family
Lynn Haremski
June 27, 2015
What a beautiful lady Mrs. Hurd must have been. I've read many lovely things about her and only wish I had known her. My heart aches for you. You are in my prayers in the difficult days ahead.
Jennifer Myers
June 26, 2015
May God grant you comfort in this time of great sorrow. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Cynthia gift of teaching and librarianship will continue to be a beacon of hope to her coworkers.
June 26, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this time of sorrow.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 26, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Susan Amber Strickland Jones
June 26, 2015
R.I.P. Cynthia Graham Hurd !
Paula Belyeu
June 26, 2015
Prayers for God's strength, peace and comfort for your family!
B. Pinzur
June 26, 2015
I was half way around the world on a semester abroad when my Grandfather passed away. Due to visa issues I was unable to return and be with my family during that difficult time. The kind words of both friends and strangers helped me realize that I was not alone and that love was still alive in the world. I never knew Mrs. Hurd, and I know I cannot begin to imagine the hurt in your hearts right now, but I send you my love and prayers. You are not alone.
M Young
June 26, 2015
Prayers for the family
M WHITEHEAD
June 26, 2015
MY HEART AND PRAYS GOES OUT THE FAMILY OF CYNTHIA GRAHAM IT HURT SO MUCH EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT. BUT GOD IS GOOD. HE GOT HIS ARMS WRAP AROUND THE FAMILY HE WILL BRING YOU THOUGHT KEEP THE FAITH. PEACE AND LOVE
Ronnie & Neva Coleman
June 26, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kendra Buist
June 26, 2015
The Best Librarian in the world! You will truly be missed!
Jacob Wilson
June 26, 2015
I pray God's blessings upon this household. We were co-workers approximately 30 years ago. Trying to find ourselves and transform our careers. My sister, you will be missed.
Karen Henderson
June 26, 2015
My prayers to the family. Death is swallowed up in victory. From a long time neighbor on Congress St.
June 26, 2015
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family and friends during this difficult time. On behalf of faithful visitor to St. Andrew's Library, may God hold you and all who mourn the loss of Cynthia, in the palm of His hands...Peace and all good
Jane Walsh
June 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with those grieving the passing of Mrs. Cynthia Graham Hurd and the eight other souls taken from this earth. The strength, grace and love the grieving families have shown the world is a testament to all nine lives and how they lived and of Christ's love. May those nine souls soar with God's angels in Heaven. God bless.
Phinda Hillmon
June 26, 2015
May God continue to watch over the family and Cynthia's loved ones.
June 26, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the family,
Comfort to the family from Php 4:13 " I have the strength for everything in him who invigorates me." Trust and Believe.
Elizabeth
June 26, 2015
My condolences to you and your family.
Charlena Bradley-Banks
Karen Brown Simmons
June 26, 2015
Such a pleasure knowing Cynthia...She will be missed.God Bless
June 26, 2015
Prayers to the family.
L Jackson
June 26, 2015
I pray the love of God will bring you peace and heal your hearts.
Carolyn June
June 26, 2015
With deepest regret, my prayers are with you and the family. May the peace of God comfort you all.
Trina Pearson
June 25, 2015
Praying for you...
Trina Pearson
June 25, 2015
My Condolences to the family, may God bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow...
Jeanette Elam
June 25, 2015
You have fought the good fight .... you have finished your race .... * now its reward time .... oh praise God !!!
Jeanette Elam
June 25, 2015
* It true .... she was a sweetie pie .... I'm glad she died knowing Jesus .... *she's in his care as we speak ... she's fine .... * in the care of the Master .
Pat Seymore
June 25, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that you find peace and comfort in the memories of Cynthia that you have. She is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus with her Christian sisters and brothers. Praying for you all.
The family of the late Damon Johnson
June 25, 2015
To the Hurd, Graham and Moultrie Family:
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the untimely death of Cynthia.We are praying for and with you. May you find strength and peace through Christ our Savior
Rowena Worshaim
June 25, 2015
May God be with you during the death of Mrs Hurd and always. You will remain in my prayers.
Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
June 25, 2015
Dear Hurd and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. May her memory be eternal! God bless her and her family.
stacy garner
June 25, 2015
thank you for taking the time out to help me. thank you for being my friend, thank you for accepting my apology. most of all thank you for being a friend to me and every one who walks into the dart hall library.
June 25, 2015
Death has a sting but it does not have the victory. Rest in peace. (Edna Sherrill, College Park, MD)
June 25, 2015
My family grieves with yours. We are holding you in our prayers and God is holding Cynthia in his arms.
Rob, Jill and Sydney Greenville, SC
Renee Croft
June 25, 2015
Sending deepest sympathy to Ms. Cynthia's family, my fellow librarian colleagues at the Charleston County Library, and brothers and sisters in Charleston:
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Robin Jordan
June 25, 2015
I didnt know you, But I am a child of God. Me and my Family deepst sympathy is with you and your Family. I know that you have touched a lot of lives as well as mine, may God continue to Bless your Family. ROBIN JORDAN
Jamia Hunter
June 25, 2015
Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord Soror Cynthia. Heaven received you and God said well done. We speak your name. You have gained your reward.
Stephanie Baker
June 25, 2015
Praying for your family and community
John 16:33
June 25, 2015
1 John 5:11-12(NLT)
11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life.
To the Hurd Family, know that we are praying with you in this season. Hold on to God's hands and know that he can and will carry you through difficult days ahead. He is able!!
Elder Marlin and Sylvia Burwell
Karen Snyder
June 25, 2015
May your faith in God's promises and beautiful memories of your loved one sustain you during this heartbreaking time and into the future. She was a lady after my own heart, and my heart grieves with you.
David Montano
June 25, 2015
My deepest, most heart-felt sympathies go out to all of you, as Cynthia was more like family than simply a friend. She and my late mother Adelma were such good pals and she had such a strong spirit, kind heart, compassionate and it was a joy and privilege to know her. May God Almighty hold all of you in the Hollow of His Hand..
David Montano
Frances Chambers & family
June 25, 2015
To the family,
You have lost a precious jewel who will be sorely missed. Know that she is free from the sins of this world. Hold to the many precious moments that you have of her. She is only a whisper away. Be blessed!
June 25, 2015
Mrs. Hurd was our librarian. She was our friend. We will sorely miss her smiling face and gentle spirit each "Library Friday." Our prayers are with you as you make your way through this deep grief. Kim and Eli
Aileen Martin
June 25, 2015
May the peace of God be with you all
Karen Cornish
June 25, 2015
I know their is a special place for you in heaven. YOu died serving the Lord and and doing his work. Safe journey!
Irving Shecut
June 25, 2015
To the family and loved ones~ Cynthia will surely be missed. You all are in my prayers
Hazel Smalls
June 25, 2015
God In His Glory
By Hazel Louise Smalls
God in His Glory
Gave us each a way to tell his story
I share with you what is shared with me
Just to remind you God is wherever you be
He wants us to stand up in the gap
For everyone even the babe in mothers lap
Let your light shine so others can see God in you
You can change someone's life through and though
Let them see the joy in you
And help them to see God in all you do
It take very little to give someone hope
Even when they find it hardest to cope
Let them know of the hill where cometh their help
Lead them there they have to walk it them self
We each have to do a self inventory
For within us each in an untold story
God gave us Our Father's Prayer
Isn't it great how for each of us he care
There is no power more powerful than love
No matter to what degree learn from a pair of dove
They stay together though pushed and shove
They are stuck with the adhesive called love
Truth and honestly he brings us through the storm
Walk with God allow His grace to lead you home
Hazel Smalls & Family
June 25, 2015
May you find peace in knowing Cynthia processed a heart of kind and loving spirit may you find comfort in these words.
Earth has no sorrows that heaven can not heal
Even though right now hurt is what you feel
Memories gained never cease
My prayers is for God to grant you peace
Love and encourage each other along the way
Be real and caring in whatever you do and say
Although our love one has depart
They belonged to God right from the start
Death when it comes is only a forever sleep
Knowing they are going away is why we weep
Have joy in knowour soul is for God to keep
Know our loss is Heavens gain
Live your life for Jesus you see them again
Be grateful for the memories through life you compile
Be reminded of their every smile
Be please for time spent all the while
Although the sorrow is hard to bear
Grieve as you will know God is near
Look up to God for strength each day
He'll be with you tocarry you all the way
It doesn't matter if you are young or old
Keep God first know He is in Control
Give God your life and hold on to His hand
Allow him to guide you with purpose for He holds the plan
Live, love, and do have faith to do your best
Trust the Lordto do the rest
written 5/14/15 by Hazel Smalls
Peter & Delores Johnson
June 24, 2015
To The Hurd Family:
May God bring you comfort and peace during this time in the loss of your dear love one Cynthia. May her loving memories provide everlasting comfort to all of you.
With Deepest Sympathy
Lance Hiatt
June 24, 2015
Dear Hurd Family
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
You have given your dearest Cynthia. She will have eternal life. I think that is important. My family have watched and been so proud of your family: Faith and trust in Christ. There has been so much swirling around it is so hard to keep up with what is right. Y'all know what is right.
I lived in Charleston 5 years ago in Ansonborough. I know your beautiful Church Family. Although I do not know you personally, please know your extended Charleston family Loves and is praying for you.
Together there will be change. Your best example will set the stage for HUGE change. Please know, we love you and hate you are having to deal with this. No family should deal with this.
Your loss is bringing the whole country together, but no family should have to endure that to make change.
Just know, your family is in my prayers, and know your reaction has changed the country. Trust in the Lord conquers all.
Deepest sympathy, Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks
Chapin, South Carolina
Ann Robinson
June 24, 2015
My God Bless And Keep You.My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Sharon Richardson
June 24, 2015
Myself and the Richardson family are so sorry for your loss. Ms.Cynthia was my Supervisor when I was at the St. Andrew's Branch Library before my promotion to Otranto. I will always remember the laughs and conversations we had.
Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Sharon, William and Richard the Richardson family
Kim Clay
June 24, 2015
Sadly missed school mate. My grandkids send their love in heaven. You were there for them at Dart and later west Ashley. They enjoy coming every day!!!!! CHS for life
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