Wilma D. Hurst

HURST, Wilma D., 87, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., passed away Sunday, October 21, 2007, at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Mrs. Hurst was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Joseph Edward and Leila Francis Hancock Dempsey. Mrs. Hurst was a retired educator with the Hillsborough County public school system, where she and her husband were the first husband/wife principal team. After retirement she taught kindergarten for 14 years at Lake Carroll Baptist Church, where she was also a member. Educating from 1939-2003, she influenced several generations in their pursuit of excellence in education. Also, she was a 65-year member of the Eastern Star John Darling Lodge in Tampa and an avid gardener, with orchids her favorite flower to grow. Mrs. Hurst was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Hurst; sister, Carolyn Neeld; and brother, Joe Dempsey Jr. Mrs. Hurst is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Jr. and Natalie Hurst of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Rebecca Hurst and Ryan Hurst, both of Murfreesboro, and Kevin Kirby of Seffner, Fla.; and several beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, October 26, 2007, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. at Lake Carroll Baptist Church. Brother Jennings Neeld will officiate. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Tampa. Those wishing may send condolences online at www.murfreesborofuneralhome.com. Murfreesboro Funeral Home, (615) 896-2229