Doris Loretta Stokes Hurst

Words have failed even the most eloquent among us to express the great loss that was felt on the morning of December 28th, 2008. Doris Loretta Stokes Hurst was born on August 31, 1918, in Syracuse, New York, to the late LeRoy and Nettie Stokes. Doris, always the caretaker, was the eldest of four siblings, whom she loved dearly. In 1936, Doris married Milton E. Smith and the union brought forth a son, Milton E. Smith, Jr. Later in life, Doris was courted by and then married to Douglas R. Hurst in 1947. The following year they were blessed with a daughter, Diane Lynette. In 1964, Doris and Douglas moved from New York to Pennsylvania, and during the next 61 years of marriage they built a life and made a home to be enjoyed with family and friends. Doris retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Department of Transportation. She was also an active member of her church, The St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where she became a member in 1964. She served as the first female Senior Warden, Episcopal Church Women President, Vestry Member, and Altar Guild Member. Doris was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, worker, and Christian. Doris is preceded in death by her son, Milton E. Smith, sister, Anita Frazier, and brother, Charles Stokes. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Douglas R. Hurst, her brother, John Allen Stokes and his wife Patricia of Syracuse, N.Y., Daughter, Diane H. Matthews and her husband, Robert P. Matthews, Sr., Grandchildren, Steven Smith and his wife Vesta, Philip Smith and his wife Dorris, all of Syracuse, N.Y. Tamala M. Reid and her husband Erik of Columbia, MD., Robert P. Matthews, Jr. of Burbank, CA. and Kimberly D. Matthews of Harrisburg. She also leaves, to cherish her memories, 11 great grand children, 11 great-great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Services for Doris will be in her church St. Paul's Episcopal; Saturday January 3rd , 2008 at 10AM with viewing at 9. Her final resting place will be in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery. On behalf of the family the Hooper Memorial Home Inc. wishes to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness and prayers during their bereavement period.