Lesley Ann Hurst

Lesley Ann Hurst

Lesley Ann Hurst, age 66, of Sebring, FL, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 21st 2025, following a brief battle with brain cancer.

Born on July 1st, 1959 in Norfolk, Virginia, Lesley was the beloved daughter of Willie and Mildred (Rhoades) Richards.

Lesley is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Paul Hurst, sons and “daughters-in-love”, as Lesley would put it, Kyle (Toni Ann) Hurst, Joel (Angela) Hurst and grandchildren Isabella Hurst, Victoria Hurst, Silas Hurst, Jedidiah Hurst, and Elias Hurst. She is also survived by her sisters, Lane (James) Estep and Lynn (Ben) Trueblood and her many nieces and nephews.

Lesley was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Mildred Richards, and her brothers Roy Richards and Craig Richards.

Throughout her life, Lesley was known for her unwavering devotion and love for Jesus Christ, her faithfulness in prayer, dedication to her family, and her unending affection and delight for her grandchildren. Gifted in many areas, Lesley was a talented singer and musician, mentor and prayer warrior, avid reader and creative storyteller, and best friend to her beloved dog Lily. She held a Bachelor of Science in Education from Columbia International University and spent 15 years servings in Christian radio as program director, talk show host, and music director at WAFG/Grace FM in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She was also the reigning “Grandma/Memaw of the Year” (unofficially) eleven times over.

When she wasn’t in the kitchen preparing a delicious homemade meal or sourdough bread, Lesley found joy in God’s Creation – from the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Tennessee, from horseback riding to flashlight walks with the grands. She had an extraordinary way of bringing all things back to the truth of Scripture and would often stop mid-conversation to pray. To know Lesley was to be loved deeply. She carried a heart for people and lived with the mission of sharing Christ’s love wherever she went. Her radiant smile, gracious spirit, and dedication to discipleship left a profound influence on all who knew her.

She began each morning in prayer and Scripture reading, lived every day with joy and purpose, and now rests securely in the arms of her Savior.

A service celebrating Lesley’s life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sebring, Florida, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Doe River Gorge, a ministry dear to Lesley’s heart and where her family continues to serve. Contributions in her memory will directly support the ministry of her son Joel and daughter-in-law Angela and may be made online at www.doerivergorge.com/hurst

Lesley will be deeply missed, but her love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, until we are reunited with her in glory.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” –Psalm 23:6

Arrangements Entrusted To:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, FL
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com