Phyllis M. Hurley

Phyllis Eleanor Miller Hurley, 88, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 13, 2012, just hours before her 89th birthday. Phyllis was born to the late Chilton Paul and Gertrude Duncan Miller, March 14, 1923 in New York. After graduating from White Plains Highs School, Phyllis earned a BA in Psychology from Connecticut College. On July 8, 1944 she married her beloved John (Jack) Hurley and then focused on being an extraordinary and devoted wife and mother.

Jack’s career with Shell Oil necessitated frequent relocation. Phyllis embraced each move with a spirit of adventure and opportunity building new relationships and life-long friendships wherever she went. In the early 1970’s her journey took her to Houston where she resided for the next forty years. Known for being an extraordinary and gracious hostess, she actively participated in numerous activities and volunteer organizations including Cancer Fighters and the Memorial Garden Club. She was an active member of Saint Francis Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild. Phyllis enjoyed playing tennis as a member of the Houston Racquet Club and was an accomplished bridge player and she greatly enjoyed the time spent with numerous friends who shared her passion for both. She was an enthusiastic traveler whose journeys took her to every continent where she swam in each ocean, including the Antarctic. In 2011 Phyllis moved to Austin where she continued her legacy of activities and friendships.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, John Robert “Jack” Hurley and is survived by her son John C. Hurley, daughter Carol Hemphill and son-in-law Ron Hemphill of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by and especially proud of her grandchildren, Christopher Gilbert, Jennifer Shugrue, Colin Hemphill and Kyle Hemphill, and her great-grandchildren, Michael Weems, Benjamin Gilbert and Jack Gilbert.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to her dedicated caregivers and professionals, Dr. Faith Holmes of Dripping Springs, Texas, Jennifer Shugrue, Visiting Angels, Care Minded Homecare, Lighthouse Hospice in Round Rock, Texas and the numerous friends who honored her with cards, phone calls and visits.

The funeral service and internment will be conducted at 12:30 PM on Monday, March 19 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Phyllis’ memory may be made to Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM), 1625 Blalock, Houston, Texas 77080, or to Houston Habitat for Humanity, 3750 N. McCarty, Houston, TX 77029.