Helen Hurst

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Marjorie Helen Ashford Hurst, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died on Saturday, July 23, 2022, surrounded by family. She was 92 years young.

Born on June 12, 1930 in Baton Rouge, La, she was the oldest of three children born to Eunice Gremillion Ashford and Julius Wilburn Ashford, Sr.. Helen was a 1947 graduate of Istrouma High School. She married the love of her life, Walter W. Hurst, Jr., reared two sons, Robin L. Hurst and Walter W. Hurst, III “Sonny.” She retired from GE after 30 years as an Industrial Purchasing Manager. She was a resident of Zachary and a past resident of Pine Grove and Baker. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Zachary.

Helen is survived by her loving son, Walter “Sonny” Hurst III and wife Simone; three grandchildren, Heather Hurst Webb and husband Jason, Jeremy Hurst and wife Gretchen, and Shannon Hurst DalPozzal and husband James; six great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Lauren Lane, Olive and Pearl Hurst, Annabelle Webb, and Ella Giroir; brother J.W. Ashford, Jr.; sister-in-law Dorothy Jewette Ashford; many loving nieces, a nephew, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her sweet, loving husband, Walter W. Hurst, Jr., son, Robin L. Hurst, daughter-in-law, Brenda Kaye Hurst, parents, Eunice Gremillion Ashford and Julius Wilburn Ashford, Sr., brother, Jules Gaynell Ashford, brother-in-law, Maxwell Hurst, sister-in-law, Joy H. Miller and husband, Willie T. Miller, Jr., special aunt, Julie M. Gremillion “Tootsie,” and grandson, Christopher Giroir.

The family is so deeply grateful for the tender, loving care of Helen from all of her caregivers over the last four years, especially her recent caregivers, Rebecca Pierre and Tammy Blackwell. “Team Helen,” her caregivers, loved her and treated her like a mother. Helen appreciated the loving care and the adoption of her Bichon Frisé, “Little Girl, Sugar” Lacey, by her niece, Melanie Ashford. She also appreciated the kindness and many ways that nieces, Melanie Ashford, Lisa Storms, and Penny Landry, contributed in caring for her. She also enjoyed visits from her grandpuppy, Chloe Marie, who she called “T-Bebé.” Special thanks to: Dr. Maheswar Rao, for his excellent care, kindness and compassion, and St. Joseph Hospice, especially Bernice Joseph, RN.

Services will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home with visitation on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Pallbearers will be: Jeremy Hurst, Jason Webb, Randy Ashford, Patrick Cook, Terry Landry, and Matt Galey. Honorary Pallbearers are Benjamin Lane and J.W. Ashford, Jr..

Helen enjoyed the simple things in life, but being with family was her greatest pleasure. She looked forward to visits from her family and friends, which always brought her such joy. Her loving brother, Jay, was a faithful, loyal visitor, and her lifelong friend and confidant. Her time with her son, Sonny, was what she looked most forward to these last several years. They shared a mother-son bond that was a beautiful gift to them both. Helen had a kind and generous heart and enjoyed blessing others. She gave from her heart, which her recipients knew was a genuine gift. She was eager and ready to be with her Lord and Savior. She found great comfort in her favorite song, “The Old Rugged Cross,” which her caregivers sang for her many times, even during the night. Helen missed her loving son, Robin. She looked forward to a heavenly reunion with him and her sweet man, Walter, and family. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.