Funeral services were held at Concord United Methodist Church on Roane Dr, Friday at 1 PM.

During the funeral for Luanne, this letter was read to us. Some of us had tears in our eyes when we listened to Joe's words:

LUANNE HARDEN HURST

(This is an open letter from Joe to everyone, written the night of her passing.)

Luanne was the most loving-caring person anyone could ever meet. She loved life, she loved her husband, her daughters, her grandchildren and her three sons-in-law. And, a friend of Luanne's was a friend for life. She had something for everyone!

She always saw the glass as being more than half full, never half empty. She loved her garden, her flowers, the birds, the squirrels and the chipmunks. It made her especially happy when I saved the chipmunk from the cat. Luanne had so many plans for the future, mostly involving things she wanted to share, because that is what she did. Anyone ever receiving a plant, shrub or flowers got Luanne with it.

Luanne was very happy that her brother and two sisters got to come visit with her recently. She told them of things she wanted to say before she departed, to show her love for them. She was so proud of her brother and loved her sisters so much! She also wanted to be here for the arrival of her third grandson, and hoped he would be born on her birthday, December 5th.

She had the opportunity to say goodbye to so many friends and neighbors (they didn't know at the time she was saying goodbye, but she knew). She got to say farewell to my nephews, Steve and John Hurst. They too did not know that this would be their last opportunity to be together. The many conversations she had with my brother Bill and his wife Stewart, their daughter Mary Beth and my other brother Warren, were so comforting. It was clear that they loved her as she loved them. And, I cannot begin to count the many people she visited with or spoke with by phone over the last two months to express her love....

Luanne had found a lasting comfort in her church and Sunday School class, lead by Tom & Barbara Mosley. Going to church was a highlight in her life and I know she missed these past two months sitting beside her grandson in the sanctuary.

She composed a letter to tell over 100 people of her illness, most were mailed, but unfortunately some were not. On those mailed, she wrote a personal message. Pictures or unique mementos were often enclosed. Prior to her surgery on September 19th, Luanne placed a sealed letter addressed to me and our daughters, in her bible. It was opened upon her departure on November 19th. Even before her surgery, she made plans to complete so many things and would often be up during the night writing notes, sorting old photos or just planning what she could complete in the next 24 hours. She just wanted to tell us all so much in a very short period of time. She realized that life is very fragile, and you must take advantage of every day. Some of us failed to fully comprehend that she was telling us her time was short, and that this was goodbye.

One of Luanne's final wishes was that I go see the VOLS play against Miami. She did not want me to miss one of our favorite activities, one we had shared together for the last 14 years. It was during that game, that another of her wishes was completed. Her dear friend Rose brought her some pansies which were planted when Lynne, Walter, Lauren and Joey came to stay with her while I was at the game. She was always fulfilled in the nurturing of plants.

Enclosed in her farewell letter to her family, was a poem by Isla Paschal Richardson. It must sum up what she felt for all of us.

Here are some of the messages we received about Luanne. In addition, please see the Plant Walk page where we dedicate the annual plant walk to Luanne who first suggested it.

Hickory Woods Subdivision became a more wonderful place to live in the summer of 1988. Joe and Luanne Hurst moved here.

Our hearts are heavy with grief that comes when we loose such a caring, compassionate, fun-loving, and devoted friend.

Luanne made each new resident feel at home by visiting with them and asking questions about their families. Sometimes, she took cookies and lemonade, other times, she might share a plant or just stay to tell them that she hoped that they would be happy here as she had been. Luanne was a remarkable gardener and a great "birder" knowing the name of each bird that paused in our midst. A great hiker, she knew almost every trail in the Smokies and surrounding areas. She greeted us with her friendly smile and took us into her heart. We will ever miss this lovely friend.

When I became involved in the homeowners association (we moved here in 1991) whenever there was a difference of opinion about our activities, someone would say, "Well, Luanne said..." and that would end the discussion. Her wisdom was paramount and respected by all.

John Andrews

I'm sitting here in tears after writing what I just sent. I have no idea if it is suitable. Please feel free to edit. I hope that it seems inclusive of all of us and not just from me. She had so many good friends. I was lucky to be one of them.

Ann Durall

Charles, Anna, and I finished moving into Hickory Woods in the early morning hours of Sparkle Day 1999. Our first greeting came from John Andrews as he was coming home from a business trip. The next people to greet us were Joe and Luanne Hurst who were hosting the picnic that year. They were so warm and hospitable! They remembered our names right from the start! We got a tour of their backyard secret garden that day. Luanne talked about needing to dig up some of her plants and offered to let me have some. Eventually I did get some of her beautiful plants. The one that survived is a wood poppy. I'll certainly think of her (again) when it blooms its bright yellow greeting.

Luanne called me to let me know about her upcoming surgery. She never seemed afraid, but always hopeful. I visited her one rainy afternoon 3 or 4 weeks after her surgery. She was so talkative! She talked about feeling at peace and feeling that people were praying for her. She wanted to show me pictures of one of the houses she and Joe house-sat. I had taken her a little tatted bumblebee which she placed with her yellow orchid. She was so appreciative of this very small gesture.

Our last conversation was about a week before her last chemo. We talked about antiques. I had told her about some things I had bought at estate sales. We were planning our next visit; I would bring the black seal cape and other interesting items. She would be showing me some old things she had. She said to me, "Just give me about a week after my next chemo." Well, she had another appoint-ment to keep that day---she went to meet her Maker.

I am thankful for having known Luanne even though it was for a very short time. What a beautiful lady! I think we should call the second plant walk "The Luanne Hurst Plant Walk" since it was her idea, an idea born in the last weeks of her life.

Dianna Lewis

Luanne and I were gardening friends and much more. I will relate one example... One day we were talking about our childern and their education. Then she wrote down what one of her professers in college had said to her class. "An educated person feels at home in the world and trys to make others feel that way too!" That was and is Luanne.

Mabel Sumner

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