Mary Eloiese Hatcher Hurt, 92
September 10, 1933 – January 15, 2026
Mary Eloiese Hatcher Hurt, age 92, lovingly known as Eloiese to nearly everyone who knew her, entered into the love and care of her dear Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Tippah County Hospital, surrounded by those she loved most.
Funeral services honoring the life of this precious lady will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Doc Shelton and Bro. Gene Coltharp officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at Ripley Funeral Home, and will continue from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Sunday. Mrs. Eloiese will be laid to rest in Criswell Cemetery. Due to weather conditions, there will be no graveside service.
Born on September 10, 1933, in Tippah County, Mrs. Eloiese was one of twenty-one children born to the late Luther Moore and Hazel Bessie Robinson Hatcher. As the daughter of a hardworking sharecropper, her early years were marked by frequent moves, and she attended Center School, Dumas School, and Pine Grove School. She later married her beloved husband, the late Mr. J. T. “Bull” Hurt, and together they built a home filled with love and devotion while raising their family in the Tippah County community.
A woman of remarkable work ethic and determination, Mrs. Eloiese spent thirty years employed with Genesco before retiring—only to continue serving others by working nearly twenty more years in the cafeteria at Pine Grove High School. No task was beneath her, and she provided for her family in every way she could, always with humility and quiet strength.
A devoted Christian and longtime member of Turners Chapel, Mrs. Eloiese loved the Lord wholeheartedly. She faithfully read God’s Word each day, prayed diligently over her family, and found comfort and joy in gospel music. A true Southern lady in every sense, she carried herself with grace, kindness, and dignity. Many cherished hours were spent in her kitchen baking her famous cakes and pies—often shared freely with others—or tending to her yard as long as her health allowed. She also loved keeping up with the news and was famously known for delivering the weather forecast better than any television meteorologist.
Though remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet nature, and easygoing ways, Mrs. Eloiese filled an immeasurable place in the hearts of her family. She was a steady presence, a comforting voice, and a faithful source of love to all who knew her. While her absence leaves a deep void, her family finds peace and comfort in knowing she has been healed and now rests in the arms of Jesus. Her legacy lives on—in every sweet potato cake shared, in every familiar weather report, and in the enduring love she poured so freely into the lives of others.
Those left to cherish her memories include two daughters, Bonnie Rogers (Danny), and Jamie Grisham (Randy), one son, Thomas “Bud” Hurt (Teresa), one sister, Diane Reeves, four grandchildren, Alison Henderson (Dale), Melissa Hodges (Tony), John Nance (Amanda), and Lee Grisham (Shannon), five bonus grandchildren, Crystal Gordon (Collin), Melissa Childers (Steve), Tracey Foreman (Josh), Scottie Harries, and Jeremy Grisham, eleven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Eloiese was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Amanda Lynn Nance and Robert Jason Hurt, her brothers, Johnny Hatcher, Jodie Hatcher, Lane Hatcher, Jessie Hatcher, William Murry Hatcher, Loyd Hatcher, Clyde Ray Hatcher, James Hyman Hatcher, and Orvid Hatcher, her sisters, Nettie Marie Newby, Angie Ruth Till, Sallie Etta Robbins, Lorene Grant, Mamie Modell Robbins, Sarah Loudie Wilbanks, Bessie Holt, Ruby Lee Haynes, and Nia Maybelle Hurt, along wide a host of nieces and nephews.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Eloiese family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Saturday
January 17, 2026
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Visitation
Sunday
January 18, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Funeral Service
Sunday
January 18, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
