Juanelle Hurt

Juanelle V. Meeks Hurt, age 97 of Winter Haven, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 at Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center. 

She was born in Soperton, GA on May 22, 1928 to Erie and Viola Meeks. As an infant, her family moved to Florida and eventually settled in Winter Haven. Juanelle graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1946. Her senior yearbook quote about her said “Here’s a girl with a heart and smile that makes this bubble of life worthwhile.” She loved to tell the story of the summer she worked as a “Tobacco Girl.” High school girls from central Florida had been recruited to work tobacco farms in Massachussetts while the men were away during World War II. On the way back to Florida, the girls stopped in New York City, a first for her, where they spent their 43 cents an hour pay on a Broadway show.

It was in high school that she met the love of her life, Edward L Hurt, Jr. and became his wife on September 14, 1948 after he finished his military service. They spent the next 49 years together until his death in 1998. 

Juanelle was the longest living member of the Winter Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church, becoming a member in 1948. She was a woman of great faith and was very active in the church. She taught Sabbath school, led the children’s choir, taught Vacation Bible School, and could be counted on for several delicious dishes at Sabbath dinners.

She had a deep love for her family and loved any time the family could get together, whether for a family reunion or a week at the beach. Her lifelong love of singing started around the piano with her sisters and brother. She could always be counted on to share a song, a favorite hymn or, to the delight of her grandchildren, the “frog song.”

As a career, Juanelle worked at Winter Haven Hospital. Over her 34 years there, she worked in several capacities. Her most challenging and rewarding was as the Medical Staff Secretary. She retired from the hospital in 1993.

She is survived by her children, Barry Hurt (Kaye), Cindy Wilson (Dave), Susan Gatto, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Hurt. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, her sister-in-law Barbara Meeks, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and all 6 of her siblings, her husband Edward L Hurt Jr., a son Monte Hurt, a son-in-law Vincent Gatto, a grandson Eric Hurt, and a granddaughter Leah Juarez. 

Services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care at 2425 Havendale Blvd NW Winter Haven, FL There will be a visitation starting at 10am with service to follow at 11am. Burial will be following the service at Lakeside Memorial Park in Winter Haven. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or a charitable organization of choice.