Marilee M. Hurst

Marilee Mae Hurst, 91, of Brookhaven, MS, formerly of Elmwood, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Aspen of Brookhaven, in Brookhaven, MS. Marilee was born July 6, 1931, in Peoria, to Clarence Alson and Henrietta Margaret (Stiff) Holocker. She married Donald Dean Hurst on July 25, 1954, in Dunlap. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2014. She is survived by three children, Gary Lee ( Vanalee) Hurst of McCall Creek, MS, David Brian (Denise) Hurst of Springfield, MO, and Janis Marie (Patrick) Conner, of Firestone, CO; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Phyllis Kilbey and Marilyn Pille. Marilee graduated from Dunlap High School in 1949 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Illinois State Normal University, class of 1953. She was a Special Education and Third grade teacher at Elmwood School District #322 for 25 years. She was a co-owner and bookkeeper of Don Hurst, Inc, based in Elmwood. She was an active member of the Land Improvement Contractors of America and was recognized as Mrs. Contractor of the Year by the Illinois Chapter. She was very involved at the Elmwood United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women Organization. She held membership to Elmwood Community Chorus, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AO, Peoria County Homemakers, Illinois Twins Conclave and countless other admirable associations. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held the same day prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Elmwood United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or Dementia Society of America. To view Marilee’s video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.