Henrietta Atkinson

Hurst

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother Henrietta Atkinson Hurst, 92, of Thomasville on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home after an extended illness. Services will be held on Saturday, June ­­­8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home Chapel with internment in Little Ochlocknee Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Gary Holland will officiate. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home Chapel.

Born April 26, 1932 in Pelham GA, she was the daughter of the late Medford Atkinson and Annie Lee Gandy Atkinson. She married Preston Charlie Hurst on January 4, 1949, and they were married for 23 years until his untimely death on April 28, 1972. In her late twenties, she made a profession of faith at Fredonia Baptist Church. Mrs. Hurst worked primarily in the food service industry, beginning at the lunch counter of Woolworth's in Thomasville in 1972.  When Woolworth's closed the lunch counter, she went to work briefly at Hardee's, then Roy's Quick Chick for a time. She spent the majority of her working life at Maryland Fried Chicken, and her final working years at Chick-Fil-A. She received the 1994 Employee of the Year Award at Maryland Fried Chicken. She always had a welcoming smile for her customers and worked hard all of her life. Fondly known as "Buster" among her family and "Mrs. Henry" to her co-workers and customers, Mrs. Hurst was a very reserved and unassuming woman who preferred staying in the background, away from any attention. But when she was needed, she never hesitated to step forward. She dearly loved her family and was always putting their needs ahead of her own. She enjoyed watching her westerns and murder mysteries on TV, doing word search puzzles, an occasional jigsaw puzzle, and reading the local newspaper. She spent many joy filled hours watching the birds and other wildlife that made their home in her yard. The daily antics of the dogs, cats and hamsters that resided with her and her family through the years gave her many hours of enjoyment and entertainment. In turn, she gave them a home filled with much love and attention.

She is survived by a daughter, Judy Hurst Brown, and a son, Albert Charlie Hurst (Pamela), both of Thomasville; daughter-in-law, Lenora Hurst (Douglas); grandchildren Wendy Brown, Jill Hurst Brinson (John), Julie Hurst Anderson, and James Preston Hurst (Angela); five great-grandchildren Griffin Anderson, Carlie Anderson, Preston Hurst, Anna Hurst, and Piper Hurst; five step-grandchildren Jennifer Howell, Billy Grisham, Andrew Brinson (Shayna), Amanda Brinson (Yashuah Hills), and Ansley Brinson; eleven step-great-grandchildren; six step-great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Medford and Annie Lee Gandy Atkinson, husband Preston Charlie Hurst, son Douglas Lee Hurst, sister Lois Atkinson Hurst, and brother Lester McKelvin.

Pallbearers will be John Brinson, Griffin Anderson, Michael Smith, Tyler Shepherd, Chad Anderson, and Charles Barnes. Honorary Pallbearers will be her nephews, and friend of the family Billy Love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice. To sign the online guest book visit www.whiddonshiverfuneralhome.com