Gloria Dean Tolbert Hurst

Gloria was born on January 28, 1942, to Glanzy and Cora Lee O’Conner Tolbert, in Zachary, Louisiana. She was the fifth of twelve children born of that blessed union. Gloria accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 13 and was baptized by the late Reverends Rivers Johnson and Ed Coner at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Zachary. She was a member of the Junior Usher Board and the Junior Choir. Gloria received her elementary and secondary education in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System where she attended and graduated from Northwestern High School in Zachary, Louisiana. Upon graduating from high school, Gloria enrolled in Southern University A&M College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education. She later returned to Southern and earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Gloria met and married Walter Hurst on December 31, 1966, and to this union three children were born - Chris, Walter, Jr. and Kai. For many years, Gloria was a faithful member of Nineveh Baptist Church where she was the Financial Secretary and proudly served on the Senior Usher Board. She was keenly aware of the value of having youth involved in structured safe activities and to this end, Gloria, founded and directed Nineveh’s Drill Team. The drill team played a vital role by providing inspiration, and positive engagement to youth in the community. Her efforts helped develop many youths into positive, contributing adults. Gloria began her teaching career in Orleans Parish at Lawless High School. She transferred to Jefferson Parish Public Schools where she taught at LW Higgins and John Quincy Adams. She retired after 33 years of service to the children of those Parishes. She constantly encouraged her students to always strive to achieve excellence. She was not only committed to her students’ academic achievement but also to their physical well- being. She coached several teams to numerous championship titles in basketball, softball, volleyball, and gymnastics. While Gloria’s commitment to her students was unwavering, she was unapologetically devoted to and loved her family. Gloria was Mama, and Granny to her family. She cherished every moment that she was in their presence. She vehemently supported every milestone of her children and grandchildren’s lives; she was always there to provide loving support. It made no difference, whether it was going out to eat, going shopping, taking a vacation, or just watching a movie at home, she was happiest when she was surrounded by family. Gloria enjoyed living her life. She loved drag racing, bowling, fishing, and watching sports. She thoroughly enjoyed watching the news to stay abreast of current events and participating in activities and events with the Hammond Council on Aging. Her Christian journey continued throughout her life, and she was a devoted member of New Generation Fellowship where she last served as an Usher. Gloria’s love and legacy will continue on in memory and spirit through, her loving daughter, Rhenette Chris Hurst Tobias (Jimmy) Tickfaw, LA; loving sons Walter Hurst, Jr., Slidell, LA, and Kenneth Kai Ronell Hurst, Gardere, LA; along with four grandchildren: Taylor Alexis Tobias, Quentin Alexander Tobias, Walter Matthew Hurst, Anissa Rhenette Hurst, and Lily Mae Grooters; siblings: Caroline T. Whicker of Dallas, TX; Ivory M. Tolbert of Baton Rouge, LA; Bidroe Tolbert, Sr., (Clara) of Oakdale, CA; Jacqueline Y. Tolbert of Oakland, CA and Brenda Bell (Melvin) of Baton Rouge, LA; and two God Children: Traci Achi and Eric Jones, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Glanzy and Cora Tolbert, one sister, Rosa Lee Mosely, four brothers, Glanzy, Jr., Ezane, Joseph, Charles, and Earl Wayne Tolbert. … A Life Well Lived

Tributes

Gloria Dean Tolbert Hurst

January 28, 1942 - November 27, 2024