Joyce Hurt

Joyce Hurt

Joyce Hurt, a woman whose warmth, creativity, and welcoming spirit made every place she called home a little brighter, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, to Jesse Liston and Annie Smith; Joyce's life changed forever when she met the love of her life, August Hurt, while he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story, and they were married on April 25, 1953, beginning a partnership built on faith, family, friendship, and unwavering devotion.

Together they made their first home in Berwyn, Illinois, before settling in Tinley Park in 1957, where they lovingly raised their four children. Family was always at the center of Joyce's life, and she created a home filled with love, laughter, traditions, and unforgettable holidays.

Joyce and August were deeply involved in their Tinley Park community. Together they were very active in the Knights of Columbus, where they formed countless lifelong friendships through charitable work and fellowship. Joyce was a constant source of encouragement and support beside August, who was one of the founders of the community's annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Together, they believed in giving back and quietly touched the lives of so many through their generosity and service.

In 1991, Joyce and August retired to Harlingen, Texas, where they embraced the next chapter of life. They enjoyed golfing, entertaining family and friends, and opening their home to everyone who visited. Joyce's gift for decorating was unmatched. Every season and every holiday became an opportunity to create beauty and celebrate life. Her creativity and outgoing personality led her to serve as Vice President of the country club board, where she became well known for her warmth, leadership, and welcoming spirit.

In 2013, Joyce and August moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be closer to family. Although Joyce endured the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband only two months after moving into her retirement community, she chose to continue living with the grace, kindness, and optimism that had always defined her. She quickly became known throughout the community for her beautiful seasonal decorations, her welcoming smile, and her genuine friendship with neighbors.

Her beloved concrete porch geese became something of a local legend. Carefully dressed for every holiday and season, they reflected Joyce's joyful spirit and boundless imagination. She delighted in decorating not only her own home but also the doors of her neighbors, bringing smiles throughout the community. What began as a simple hobby became a way of connecting with others, creating friendships, and spreading happiness during every season of the year.

Above all else, Joyce treasured her family. She was the loving mother of Janet (John) O'Bryan, Nancy (Doug) Glass, David (Ronda) Hurt, and Jeff Hurt.

She was the proud grandmother of Justin, Adam, and Drew O'Bryan; Brandon, Ben, Nick, and Alex Glass, and Jenna Windisch; and Aliyah and Julian Hurt.

Nothing brought Joyce greater happiness than being "Gigi" to Joselyn and Corinne O'Bryan, Kaia Brundage, Auggie and Lulu Glass, Maylee and Ashton Glass, and Hallie and Cameron Windisch. Her great-grandchildren were her greatest delight, and she treasured every opportunity to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and life's everyday moments with them.

Joyce is also survived by her brother, John (Judy) Smith; her sisters-in-law, Helen Smith, Maryanne Carrier, and Lynn Kosmak; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, August Hurt; her Parents Jessee Liston and Annie Smith her brothers, Cecil Smith and J.L. Smith; her brothers in law Howard Hurt and George Kosmak, and her cherished grandchildren, Brian Glass and Lindsay Glass.

Joyce will be remembered as a gracious hostess, a gifted decorator, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and Gigi, and a faithful friend. She had a remarkable way of making every holiday feel magical, every guest feel welcome, and every house feel like a home. Her kindness, generosity, creativity, and deep love for her family leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

While the seasons will continue to change, the beauty Joyce brought into the lives of others will remain forever. Her love lives on in every cherished family tradition, every holiday gathering, every beautifully decorated doorway, and in the countless memories held close by those who will miss her always.