Eva Hurt

Eva May Hurt, often fondly referred to as “Aunt Ebie”, was born in Belton, TX on November 28, 1925, to Ernest White and Hollie Crow White. She has always been proud of her Texan heritage and remarked upon her fondness for the proliferation of Texas Bluebonnets, the state flower. Eva graduated from Mary Harden Baylor, then later met Hubert (Hugh) Olyn Hurt while attending the New Orleans Baptist Seminary. Hugh and Eva served as missionaries in Cuba and Panama, establishing seminaries while bringing along their children David and Sharon. Eva contributed to their missions through her musical gifts as well as serving as secretary. Later they both moved to Florida where they continued to serve through the Florida Baptist Convention Language Missions Board with Hugh as Director, and Eva working post-retirement. Eva was passionate about music, played piano, and performed with the choir, of note, during their time as members at Deermeadows Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, AR in her last years.

Eva passed peacefully in her home under the care of Heart of Hospice and her family on June 29, 2025, in Fort Smith, AR. The family expresses much gratitude for the nurses and particularly her aide, Diana, for the care they provided. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert, her parents, and sister Arra. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law David & Cyd, daughter and son-in-law Sharon and George, as well as grandchildren (in chronological order) Hollie, Marlon, Graham, John Andrew, Ricklie, and their spouses. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, with a third on the way, a sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

She will be deeply missed. She spoke of her great pride in her family at the end of her life. She sacrificed by serving in missions, even surviving the Cuban Revolution during the uprising of Castro. Hers was an uncommon and well-lived life, and in her last days she spoke of her excitement about reuniting with the Lord and her husband Hubert.

A visitation for Eva will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Square Rock Cemetery, Waldron, AR.