Carol Sue Bostick Hurst passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023, in Huntsville, Alabama at the age of 91. She was born on July 16, 1932, in Winfield, Alabama to the late Velda and Elwood Bostick. Carol was a devoted and loving wife to Paul, her husband of 53 years, and missed him dearly since his passing in 2015. She was a loving mother and grandmother as well as a kind and understanding friend. She will be greatly missed.
Carol was born in Winfield, Alabama and graduated as valedictorian from Winfield High School in 1950. She started her education at Huntingdon College and then transferred to the University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education (secondary education, mathematics) in 1954. After graduation, Carol taught math at Brilliant High School, in Brilliant, Alabama for two years. She then returned to the University of Alabama to earn a master’s degree in mathematics – the only woman in her program. Carol completed graduate school in 1956 and accepted a position with the U.S. Army at Redstone Arsenal. One year later she accepted a position with General Electric, a NASA contractor. She worked as a mathematician and computer programmer with GE for several years. It was during this time that Carol met and married Paul, who was also working in the computer lab. They married in 1962 and when their first child was born in 1964, Carol left work to become a full-time homemaker. More than 20 years later, she began teaching part-time for Athens State College, usually teaching two classes a quarter. However, she never regretted leaving her career; nothing was more important to Carol than her family and making a loving home for them.
Carol was an active and faithful member of Huntsville First United Methodist Church for almost 60 years, serving in United Methodist Women, teaching children’s Sunday School, and participating in her beloved Thursday morning study group for many years. She enjoyed participating in the Twickenham Study Club, the DAR – Twickenham Town Chapter, her long-standing bridge club, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Susan Hurst Lowery of Atlanta; son, Jeffrey Martin Hurst and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Susanne Hurst of Portland, Michigan; grandsons, Jaysen Michael Craves, Jon Hurst, and Rob Lowery; and granddaughters, Anna Hurst and Katie Hurst. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Betty Bostick of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Mary Bostick of Gordo, Alabama; her nephew, Jack Bostick of Winfield, Alabama; and niece, Katy Bostick Dyer of Gordo, Alabama. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her parents, Elwood and Velda Bostick of Winfield, Alabama, and her brothers, John Bostick of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and H.E. Bostick of Winfield, Alabama.
A memorial service celebrating her life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday October 14th in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. The family will receive friends in the Church Parlor prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.
Memorials in Carol’s memory may be made to the Eighth Street Community, 305 8th Street, Huntsville, AL 35805 (https://www.3058thstreet.org/). Carol was passionate about their mission and would be so very gratified to support them now.
