Loretta May Smith Williams Hurst was born on February 20, 1930 in a place called Harlem, New York. She was the only daughter of the late Hazel L. Smith and Reginald Gaskins.

Loretta lived with zest, zeal and in service to her family, community and the Lord. Most importantly she believed in loving, laughter and enjoying life. Her travels were extensive. She enjoyed riding the cable car to the top of Masada in Israel. She sailed the Nile in Egypt and travelled through the Holy land. Twice she cruised on the Queen Elizabeth II. Loretta talked about visiting Gorée Island in Dakar, Senegal. It was one of the most profound experiences she had.  

Loretta was a natural entrepreneur with a life-long love of teaching and learning.  During her lifetime, Loretta successfully pursued several careers and founded multiple businesses. She began working as a registered nurse in NYC. Caring for the patients in Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn NY was her first job. While she labored tirelessly caring for her patients, she also successfully raised her own children along with undertaking the task of fostering many other children.

After nursing Loretta began a career in education. She attained her master’s degree in early childhood education. In 1972, Loretta became the Founder, Director and Teacher Director of Cherub Haven Development Center in Brooklyn, New York.  Cherub Haven Development Center was a beacon of light and safe haven for families, children and individuals, providing a platform for empowerment, enrichment and achievement. Cherub Haven served the community for over 16 years.

Loretta was a fierce advocate for the well-being and development of children. As part of her legacy, Loretta brought Summer Youth Corp employment, sleep away camp in the Poconos, free summer lunch programs along with daily recreational activities to the children in her community.  These are just to name a few of Loretta’s successful accomplishments. She felt that helping a child will in turn help the entire family.

Preceding Loretta in death were her first husband Rudolph Williams and her second husband Robert Hurst; daughter Michele Weaver; and son Shawn Williams.

On June 9, 2021, Loretta went home to see the Lord and be made whole again. She is now celebrating in glory in her new home. She is deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Now clinging to all the precious memories are: her daughter Viveca (Leon) Pulliam; granddaughters Amber Michele (Maurice) Robinson and Britt Micaela Williams-Bunts; step daughter Sensimone Britt Williams; lifetime friend Brenda (Cliff) Henry, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends from the various organizations and charities that she supported.

 Celebration of life service for Mrs. Loretta Williams Hurst will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 11:00A.M.at Amelia Veterans Cemetery 10300 Pridesville road Amelia Court House Virginia 23002. Rev. Dr. Ronnie Martin, Officiating.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at her residence 12801 Harrowgate Rd. Chester Virginia 23831 on the day of the service at 9:30A.M.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director. (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”.

Masks are required at all services. All attendees are also asked to follow social distancing guidelines.