Obituary of Evelyn Cornett Hurd

Evelyn Cornett "Mimi" Hurd, 84, of Roanoke went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, early Friday morning, April 15, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Paul L. Hurd, and her parents, Barnard and Nell Cornett. She was born August 3, 1931 in Comers Rock, Va. Left to cherish her life and memories are sons, Billy Hurd and wife Billie, Roanoke, Mike Hurd and wife Donna, Midlothian, daughter, Jackie Wood and husband Mike, Roanoke; grandchildren, Tracie Roseberry Harold and husband John, Botetourt County, Christina Dryer, Va. Beach, Cameron Hurd, Richmond, Dustin Hurd and girlfriend, Makaela Shelton, Roanoke; great grandchildren, Noah Colley, Ethan Colley, and Madison Whitehead, Va. Beach. Known to many as "Mimi", she was the consummate southern lady. She was a devoted wife to Dad and in every way possible the perfect and loving Mom to her children and Mimi to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She personified the servant attitude; always putting others' wants and needs ahead of hers. There was never a stranger in our house as she made all feel welcome and accepted; always offering something to eat (she was a great cook!) and a glass of her sweet tea. This giving spirit was exemplified in her sacrificial love for her family and carried over to her career of caring for others as a Registered Nurse at Lewis Gale Hospital. Mom loved music. She played the piano and had a beautiful voice. She sang in a quartet while in high school that sang at many local venues and recorded a couple of records, which we loved to listen to on the old Victrola. She continued her singing in the church choir for many years. We cherish the memories of standing around the piano at home with Mom playing and us all singing hymns together. She loved to sing in the choir and/or the congregation at church and through the years did so at Airlee Court Baptist Church, Shenandoah Baptist Church, West Salem Baptist Church and finally at Fellowship Community Church. The music in heaven sounds better today with the new angel's voice that just joined the heavenly choir! Born and raised in Comers Rock, VA, she graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1948. She then moved to Roanoke to attend Lewis Gale Nursing School where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1951. She served faithfully in her role as RN for over 35 years primarily at Lewis Gale Hospital; first at the "old" Lewis Gale in downtown Roanoke and then on 5 West at the "new" Lewis Gale in Salem. The family wishes to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and to the Nursing Staff on 6 West at Lewis Gale Hospital for the kindness, love, support and genuine care for Mom during her final days here on Earth. You are a special group and words cannot express our thanks to you for your service. While flowers are certainly appreciated, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306 Charlottesville, Va 22901. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by Pastor Ken Nienke. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Funeral Home. 366-0707