Mary Ellen Dunlap's Obituary
Mary Ellen (Hurd) Dunlap, was born February 22, 1935 in Bessemer, Alabama to the union of Clinton and Virgalee (McNish) Hurd. She was one of thirteen children. Her family moved to Jackson, Michigan in 1938. Lovingly called “Perkins” by some of her siblings, Mary made her transition to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 9, 2021.
She graduated from Jackson High School, and Jackson Community College where she obtained a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree. She went on to work at Marlin Manor, Cedar Knoll, Mercy Hospital, and Beverly Enterprises over a span of forty-five years.
Mary also spent many years as a hall monitor for Jackson Public Schools where she was loved by the young people. She was a foster mother, and hosted female college athletics from Jackson Community College in her home.
Mary attended First Church of God in Christ in Jackson as a child and young adult, she sang in a group with her sisters called “The Four Hurd Sisters”, she went on to play the piano at many churches which included Lily Baptist Church and New Macedonia Baptist Church. While living in Union City, Tennessee, Mary attended Pilgram Rest Missionary Baptist Church. In Colorado Springs, Colorado where she lived for nineteen years Mary attended the True Spirit Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving in the church food pantry.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers; Virgil Gene, Albert Leonard, Clinton, Jr., Jimmie, Johnnie and Charley Hurd, her sisters; Jacquelyn Ann, Ola (Hurd) Garrison and Oree (Hurd) Bradshaw.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory five children; Sondra, Eugene (Sheila), Deborah, Alan Duane, and Frederick (Lisa), sisters; Ethel Clark, Florence Paschall, and Norma (Thomas Sr.) Clemons, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
