Andrew (Ducie) James Hurst Sr.

Andrew James Hurst was born on July 21, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi to the union of Jessie Hurst and Alberta (Carr) Hurst.  When he was seven years old, he moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan where he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Adell & Mary (Polly) Sterling at the request of his mother, who became very ill.  He was affectionately known as “Ducie”.  He went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Andrew excelled in football, track, and basketball at Benton Harbor High School. His great football coach, Al Ratcliff, led the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1962.  He was a proud graduate of the Benton Harbor High School Class of 1963 and earned many varsity letters.  During his high school years, he made lifetime friends with the late Alex McNutt,  LC Bowen, the late James Isom, Rufus Young, the late Chris Franklin, William Whitfield, the late Horace Williams to name a few.  Andrew was awarded a full-ride football scholarship to Midland Michigan College but chose to start his employment along with brothers Lewis Hudson and the famous Ernie (Poochie) Hudson in Elgin, IL.  He later attended Lake Michigan College and played semi-pro football for the Michiana Hawks.  

Returning to Benton Harbor, Mr. Hurst was employed by Buchanan Steel for many years and later was employed by Benton Harbor Area Schools retiring in 2005.

On January 13, 1966, Andrew married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Naomi Faye Dillon.  This union was blessed with two sons, Andrew Lee and Ronald James.  Naomi, his beloved wife of fifty-seven (57) years, cared for her husband with dedication, compassion, and love down through the years.

Mr. Hurst continued his love for helping young athletes by being a volunteer football coach at Benton Harbor Junior High & High School along with the late Sam Jones and Paul Toney.  Andrew was a founding member of the Benton Harbor Booster Club.  This club helped raise funds for BHHS varsity sports and its accomplishments include the all-weather track, the fencing around the football field, the overhauling of the baseball field, and the repairs to cracks in the great Tiger Bell that still rings today at home basketball games.  Andrew LOVED the University of Michigan Wolverines and had the honor to visit the “Big House” under the great Coach Bo Shembeckler when his son Andrew Lee was a prospect.

Andrew and Naomi enjoyed many family vacations to Canada, New York, Wisconsin Dells, St. Louis, and Gary.  He also enjoyed large, beloved family reunions in Jackson, MS; Los Angeles, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and Chicago, IL.  Andrew loved blues music!  He often had his young grandsons, Brandon & Bryce, in his car and singing along!  Known for his love of breakfast, Andrew would often prepare grits, eggs, sausage/bacon, and sugar rice especially before rocket football games.  Mr. Hurst dearly loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.

Mr. Hurst was baptized at an early age and was a member, along with his aunt and uncle, of Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late Elder Wesley Hunter.  Rededicating himself back to the Lord in 2005, he united with Greater Grace Temple Church under the leadership of the late Elder George Dewberry and continued his membership until his death.  Mr. Hurst became a deacon in 2013.

Survivors include:  His wife, Naomi Faye (Dillon) Hurst. Sons, Andrew Lee (Lisa) Hurst and Ronald James Hurst of Benton Harbor. Daughter; Sharon Doolin of Las Vegas, NV. Granddaughters, Brittney (Brandon) Chase of Stockbridge, GA and Marika (Cheron) Haywood of Las Vegas, NV. Grandsons, Brandon (Jasmine) Hurst of Benton Harbor; Bryce Hurst of Houston, TX; Dejuan Sloan, Terrance Hartz and Dontrell Hartz of Topeka, KS; Cornelius Hartz and Eugene Hartz of Milwaukee, WI; Shawn Hartz of Dallas, TX and I’Keem Smith of Mississippi. A large, precious brood of Great-Grandchildren.  Sister-In-Laws’, Armelia Nichols, and Evangelist Birda Lee Dillon of Benton Harbor. Brother-in-Law, Henry Dillon, of Chicago, IL.  First Cousins, Charlie Lee Hurst, of Detroit, MI; Fred Blackmon of Ann Arbor, MI and Clarence Blackmon of Jackson, MS. And a host of other family and friends.

Andrew was preceded in death by his mother & father; aunt & uncle; brothers Johnnie Hurst, Jessie Earl Hurst & John Henry Blackmon; sister, Zelater Hurst; and step-mother, Brenda Hurst.

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