Barbara Ellen Hurt

Barbara Ellen Cross Hurt, 88, of Gainesville, Florida, was peacefully called home to be with Jesus on December 27, 2025. She was surrounded by family and the amazing staff at Haven – E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville.

Barbara truly knew that it was more of a blessing to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was a loving mother and grandmother (Memaw) with a beautiful soul who would help anyone. Joy in human form, her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved the Lord, spending time with family and friends, going to church, sewing, and making blankets.

Barbara was born on November 12, 1937, in Bristol, Tennessee. She joins her beloved family members in heaven: her father, Ralph Cross; her mother, Myra Cross; her sisters, Virginia Cooper and Carolyn Harr; and her brother, James Cross.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Judy Tolbert; brother-in-law, Johnny Tolbert; daughters, Kim Terrell, Fawn Bryant, and Elisa Joyce; son-in-law, Kevin Joyce; seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Josh, Cody, Brandon, Brad, Zachary, and Bethany; as well as five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her family, she is loved by the thousands of children whose lives she touched through her children's ministries, often using her beloved nickname of Memaw.

Barbara was the director of Smoky Bear Preschool in Gainesville, Florida, for 33 years. She dedicated her life to children's ministry and loved teaching children about Jesus. After she retired, she volunteered at Grace Methodist Church and eventually was hired as the Nursery Director. She retired for the second time at the age of 80.

Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Chapel on January 31, 2026.
Please contact the Family for further details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice Gainesville at havenhospice.com