Grace Hurt

Grace Costello Williams Hurt, was born September 16, 1935 in Warwick County, Virginia to the late, Grace M. Hudson and Frank P. Williams. Coz or Gracie as she was affectionally called by family and friends made her transition to glory the morning of November 25, 2019 with her beloved and devoted sister Barbara T. Williams by her side. Coz received her Christian experiences and training at an early age from her grandparents and was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newport News VA (North Newport News). Coz was educated in the Warwick County school district and graduated from George Washington (Carver) High School class of 1953; the first graduating class to attend all four of its high school years at Carver. After graduating, she attended Virginia State College (now University) where she met her college sweetheart Mr. Walter L. Hurt. Coz successful completed 2 years as a physical education major and nursing student A.S Degree. On August 4, 1955 Coz and Walter were married in New York City. To this union Derrick Alonzo (deceased), Marvin Leon and Glenn Arnez where born.  In 1963 Gracie joined the Howell Baptist church in Newark New Jersey for a short period.  In 1965 God lead Grace’s heart to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Montgomery street in Newark NJ under the Pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Swan. Gracie loved the Lord, church worship, bible study and praise; for over 40 years she served as Chaplin on the Gospel chorus and Mass choir respectively. Gracie was the first women receive the distinguish Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Mother of the Year Award. She served in many capacities as a member of the Mt. Olivet family; active member of Sunday School, Bible Study and Pray meeting, President of the floral ministry, Team Captain of Women Day, Secretary of the Women’s Ministry and Advisor of the Youth Minster to mention a few. Gracie often said “God can do all things but fail”

Gracie worked for 15 years at S. Klein’s on the square in downtown Newark, in the shoe department. Promoted to floor supervisor, section manager and eventually buyer until the stored closed in the mid 70’s.   Utilizing her skills of service, Grace’s compassion for caring for her family, her community and others, began working as a private duty nurse; later employed by the New Community Cooperation nursing unit’s “home friend program”. Over the next 20 year she received numerous awards, citations for her commitment to service; and recognized on numerous occasions as employee of the year.

In 1965 Walter and Coz moved their family to High Park Garden Cooperative Housing, one of the first and oldest Africa American Cooperative living establishment in the country. Raising their sons (the Hurt boys) in the community she worked and served. A faithfully soldier, Gracie actively participated on several committees, within High Park Gardens and surrounding communities. All for continued improvement in the community she lived.

Gracie had a rich and active social life, jazz music and dancing was her passion, but most of all she loved poetry. In addition, she was an avid traveler, traveled with her family and friends almost annually; taken over 30 cruises in her lifetime. She was also an active participant, singing in the mass Choir at the Hampton Virginia Minister Conference and Choir Guild, where she attended faithfully for over 25 years.

She always encouraged young people to get their education, follow their dreams, always love and show love, because Jesus is Love.

Grace leaves to remember her in life and mourn her sudden transition loving sons Marvin L. (Donna) Dallas Tx.; Rev. Glenn A. Newark, NJ; Daughter-in-law Eugenia Hurt Orange NJ; her devoted and cherished sister Barbara T. Williams Newport News VA.; Brother-in-Law Phillip Shaw (sister Shirley  deceased), Cambria Heights Queens; Brother and Sisters-in-laws, Rev. Wendell & Ella Brown of Farmville Virginia, Rev Clarence & Lisa Wright of Fort Worth, Tx. Three loving grandchildren Ronald, Daniel and Brittny. Six great grandchildren Noelle, Gabriella, Ronald Jr., Alexa, Saige and Christiano, her devoted niece Nicol Shaw and a host of nephew’s cousins. Her entire Virginia and New York family and her much loved God daughter Honorable Marilyn E. Williams. The Lyles Family and to her beloved God children she was known as Mrs. Grace, Mother Grace and Mom. Her High Park Garden family, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church family and other relatives, family and friends, too many to mention.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family of Grace C. Hurt

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