Mary C. Hurdle

  Mary Catherine (Neeley) Hurdle, who many know as “Grandma Cat” or “Cat”, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and widow of 31 years, gained her wings on October 12, 2024, at the age of 94.

  Born in Burlington, North Carolina, on October 20, 1929. Daughter to the late Lee Forest and lona (Cook) Neeley. Mary was a woman of style; “she had a passion for fashion” and would always be color coordinated dressed down from head to toe. Mary love to do hair and eventually turned that skill into a profession as she went on to Dudley Cosmetology school in Greensboro, NC where she graduated with her license in cosmetology. She then later opened her own hair salon where she served many faithful clients over the years consisting of family and friends. With all that Mary did through-out her years of living, one thing that stood out the most and was most important is that Mary was a woman of God. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in NC and dedicated her life to the service of the Lord; taking on many different roles within the church. Mary served on various boards: Sunday school staff, the deaconess board, tribal leaders, communion/deacon wives, daycare teacher and many other roles. Mary was also known for her exceptional cooking skills in the church kitchen.

  With the many great things that Mary did through-out her life to add to her exceptional resume of being a role model and a trendsetter Mary also became an Eastern Star Sister. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the St. Mary’s Grand Chapter in North Carolina A.R.E.M.E Chapter #172 Order of Eastern Star A&A.S.R. Mary was also the captain of the Red Table of the Annual Star Tea. To be an Eastern Star sister meant a lot to Mary, as they are the world’s largest fraternal organization which is a member of the Masonic family. Even though joining does not make you a mason, they still represent as an axillary group that supports masonic lodges and masonic youth organizations that support one another emotionally and financially. They also provide a framework for introspective thought and philosophical discussion on ethical and spiritual topics.

  Absent in the body but present in spirit, Mary leaves behind a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly. Predeceased by her parents, sisters: Connell Moore, Inez Neeley, Betty Ruth Murphy and Margret Neeley Rogers; brothers Willie Lee, Thomas and Walter Neeley; nephews: Tony and Frankie Rogers, David, Terry and Chucky Neeley and Lonnie Murphy Jr.; her grandson Eric Tyron Holt, Sr. and great-nephew Kevin Shippy.

Survived by her Daughter Marilyn Bryant, her granddaughter Nicole Mullen (Davone), great grandchildren La’Niya Mullen, Tyasia, Shalea, Eric and Zae’Vion Holt, and Sebastian Rivera; nieces: Diana Shippy (Glenn), Linda Vample, Stephanie Murphy, Paulette Johnson (Barry), Dianna Rogers, Loranne Rogers-David (Victor), Angela Griffin (Rodney), Sherron Neeley and Joanne Daye (Donny); nephews: Ricky Rogers (Jewel), Dennis Rogers and Charlie, Michael and Ricky Hurdle; great-nieces: Ebony and Veronica Shippy, Tonya Brice, Shatina Murphy and Karen Vample; grand-daughter-in-law MigDialia Holt; great-nephews Jeffery Vample, Darnell Jones, Jr., and Marshawn Murphy; great-great-nephews: Jeffery Jr. and Jason Vample, and LaVonte Atkins; Family in-law Ella Ruth, Eastern Star sister Penny Lattimore and specials friends Ernestine and Emmagale and loved ones who helped care for her Atyia Wilkins, Jamie Bryant and many other family and friends to mourn her passing. 

  “Grandma Cat”, “Cat” was a strong independent woman and to all those who she left behind I am sure she would say “ A limb has fallen from the family tree…I keep hearing a voice say grieve not for me…remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong…continue my heritage I’m counting on you…keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through…my mind is at ease, my soul is at rest…remembering all, how I truly was blessed…continue traditions, no matter how small…go on with your life, don’t worry about falls….I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin…until the day comes we’re together again.

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, beginning with a wake from 10-11AM followed by a service at 11AM at Third Baptist Church, 149 Walnut St, Springfield, MA. Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery. 

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