Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Mrs. Hurt was an exemplar of service and charity. I consider her one of the pillars in the Madison community. Madison and its citizens were better because of her presence. The Bonfield family received so much because of her giving spirit and citizenship. My siblings and I would have never been able to settle and thrive in Madison without the support and insight she shared with our grandmother, Muriel Bonfield. Most of all, I appreciated the friendship she and with my grandmother. For a season, they spent their time finding sidewalk treasures that some considered trash. They also enjoyed tea before hitting Madison’s Saturday garage sales. She also convinced Muriel to become politically inclined, though she was reluctant to. Mrs. Hurt also convinced her to serve at the Madison Senior Center, where they would collate letters that went out to the public. Her service continued long into her life, even though life slowed her down. My last memories of Mrs. Hurt is her opening up her home so she and my grandma could have a sleepover in their golden years and the cherished last few conversations I had with her over the phone. They were bittersweet because I had to let her know that her friend had moved further away, and the last was to tell her that her garage sale partner had passed away. I loved hearing that thick southern accent that never faded as she expressed her love for her friend. I will be forever grateful for Mrs. Hurt. She was a true blessing and gift to our family. May God bless and keep the Hurt family. I know not having her is a huge loss.
