Kathy Ann Hurst White, 1944–2024
KathyAnnHurstWhite ran into the arms of Jesus on July 2, 2024.
Born September 20, 1944, in small-town Spur, Texas, Kathy Ann Hurst White was the daughter of Red (Marion Clinton) and Bernice Marie Justice Hurst. She grew up alongside her brothers Tim and Leslie, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.
Her unwavering faith, nurtured since childhood in Spur's First Methodist Church, guided her remarkable journey through life.
Kathy attended the University of Texas in Austin, where she received her college degree in English and went on to complete her master’s later in life.
Her steadfast belief in God’s faithfulness shaped her distinguished career with the U.S. Defense Department. Kathy’s career was a testament to her faith and dedication. For 35 years, she served the U.S. Defense Department with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on both the U.S. Army and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Kathy enjoyed every day of her career, in which she set a number of milestones which had never before been achieved by a female employee of the Army and which set examples for those who followed in her footsteps.
Kathy worked at the Pentagon for years and was sent by the Pentagon to head a task force to correct a seriously deficient personnel program at one of the major Army commands. Her groundbreaking work revolutionized Army personnel programs, setting a new standard nationwide. This exceptional service earned her the prestigious Commander’s Award. In heading a major arm of the personnel inspection function of the Army’s civilian personnel program; she was the first (and only) female to become one of four field representatives to the Army Chief of Staff and later the Secretary of the Army.
During her retirement years, she fulfilled two lifelong dreams. The first was earning her master’s degree and the second was achieved when she co-founded the Granbury Doll House Museum with Barbara Williams and her lifelong best friend, Jane Sharp, who was more like a sister than anything else. Theirs was a friendship to be treasured and admired.
Although her accomplishments were many, Kathy’s greatest pride was her family, who in turn took immense pride in her.
To her family and friends, Kathy was lovingly known as “Zsa Zsa” or simply “Zsa”—a name that became synonymous with unconditional love and warmth. This endearing nickname perfectly captured her welcoming spirit, which touched not only her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, but all who crossed her path.
She is survived by her brother, Tim Hurst; her two daughters, Andrea Carr and Amy Duncan; four granddaughters, Erin Chastain, Morgan Matthews, Madison Barthel, Xandie Bradbury; and her one and only grandson, Brady Duncan. Kathy was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Skylar Matthews, Bennett Chastain, Mila Barthel, and Blaire Matthews. Her family circle included her sister-in-law, Ginger Hurst, and nephews Blake Hurst and Matthew Williams, all of whom were touched by Kathy’s Christlike love and generosity of spirit.
Kathy’s family celebrates her life of faith and service, recognizing how God’s grace worked through her to touch countless lives. They thank the town of Spur for nurturing the values that, coupled with her deep spirituality, defined Kathy’s impactful life and legacy.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday July 6, 2024 at the Spur Methodist Church followed by interment at the Spur Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home.
