Amelia Zahary Hurst

JACKSONVILLE - Amelia Zahary Hurst passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on the morning of January 16, 2025. A Greek Orthodox Service, conducted by Father Constantine Shepherd, will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Avenue, Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910-455-1281). The viewing will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM.
Amelia (Milly) was born September 20, 1930 in New Britain, Connecticut to Greek parents Christ and Anna Zahary, who immigrated to America in the 1920's.
Amelia grew up in Plainville, Connecticut, graduated high school, and worked as a dental assistant. In 1956, she met Gerald Hurst, a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After a yearlong courtship, Gerald and Milly were married in a traditional Greek Orthodox service. This was the beginning of a blessed union that lasted 66 years. During a 26-year career in the Air Force, Amelia and family moved 13 times including a 3-year assignment in Japan. Milly's ability to support and adapt to frequent changes without complaint made her an outstanding partner and family anchor.
Milly gave birth to a son, Leighton Barry Hurst in May 1960 (died at age 24), and a daughter, Barrie Lyn Hurst in September 1961.
While in Japan, Milly took up sewing and became an accomplished seamstress. She also studied Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. At the age of 44, she studied painting; oils and acrylics; and her talent produced beautiful seascapes and still life works. She was an outstanding home chef and was a master at planning and executing Air Force social events, including formal dinners and frequent parties. With her beaming smile and outgoing personality; everyone loved Milly.
Upon retiring from the Air Force, Gerald and Milly moved to Gerald's hometown, Jacksonville, N. C. and began a new creer building custom homes. Milly did everything from bookkeeping to landscaping to selecting interior decor and finishes.
Milly is predeceased by her parents, Christ and Anna Zahary, a brother, Costa Zahary and wife Ann, and a son, Leighton Barry Hurst. Surviving is her husband Colonel Gerald Barry Hurst, daughter Barrie Hurst-Dreyer, son-in-law Rod Dreyer. brother in-in-law, Albert Lee Hurst and wife Linda, nephew Alexis Zahary, and cousins, Jimmy, Lee, and John Zachary.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Alzheimer's Association. Donate by phone 800-272-3900 or donate by mail to Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.