LaQuetta Joy Browning Hurst, passed away into the arms of our Savior on July 25, 2026, eight days before her 94th birthday. She was surrounded by and holding the hands of family members who had gathered to care for her every need in those last days of her earthly journey.

Lovingly known as Joy, she was born 2 August 1932 to Fred Henry Browning and Louise Evelyn Turner. In her own words she records, “I was born to parents who loved me. They guided, taught and admonished me to be true to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Because of their example and because of their dedication to the teachings of Jesus Christ I am blessed again and again and again.”

Joy was the youngest of four children. Preceding her in death are her beloved siblings; her sister Georgia Johnson (Maynard), her brothers Kenneth Browning (Jean), and Fred O. Browning. Surviving is Joy’s sister-in-law, Mary Alice of Lovington, New Mexico.

Joy fell in love with and married her college sweetheart, Jerry Glenwood Hurst on June 11, 1954. They were sweethearts, companions, and confidants in every way. They supported each other in all their interests, responsibilities, desires, and faith journeys. Jerry passed away in 1998. We know he was there to welcome Joy to her heavenly home in the wee hours on Saturday, July 25.

Joy and Jerry both graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1954. Joy taught school until their first child was born. From the moment their oldest child was born Joy knew her life’s mission was that of being a mother. She loved being a mom!

Joy and Jerry are the parents of seven children whom they adored and loved, taught and guided. Their seven children adored and loved them in return. Joy is survived by her seven children and her children-in-law, whom she loved as her own! Philip Hurst (Elizabeth) of High Ridge, Missouri, Katherine Sorenson (Mark) of River Heights, Utah, Hans Hurst (Christine) of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Karl Hurst (Patricia) of Omaha, Arkansas, Sarrah Ann Hurst-Groves of Montrose, Colorado, Lena Marie Fullmer (Shane) of Harrison Township, Michigan, and Elizabeth Morris (Kyle) of Orem, Utah.

Joy has 25 grandchildren, all in whom she found great delight. Jared (Coty), Jacob (Natalie), John (Cassie), Hanna (Chris), Leah Kate (Corby), Sarah Marie (Danny), Mark Earl (Elizabeth), Marie (Doug), Christine (Jeremy), Carrie (Earl), Chelsey (Calvin), Bryce (Lindsey), Tanner (Lauren), Brad (Nichole), Chad, Forrest (Sarah), Parker, Hunter (Alen), Portia (Will), Austin (Ariel), Cheyenne (Mack), Madison (John), True (Sarah), Georgia, and Gracie.

Joy has 54 great grandchildren and counting. Joy is the aunt to many nieces and nephews whom she adored as well!

Joy was a very active member of her community, her church, and was involved in the public schools. Friends were a joy to her and she was a support to them.

Joy and Jerry were introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960. After joining the church, they served in many leadership and teaching positions. After Jerry’s passing in 1998, Joy decided to pursue what they both had hoped to do, and that was to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served an 18 month mission in the California Anaheim Mission 2001 - 2003. Following Joy’s mission to California she was privileged to have the opportunity to work and serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Temple for several years.

Joy chose to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She honored her Heavenly Father by the life she lived. From a young age it was her greatest desire to come to know her Savior, understand His will for her, to be led by His Holy Spirit, and never depart from Him. And she did just that! She led by example and by love. Oh how she loved! She loved every creature, great and small. She loved you and she loved me.

She loved and understood the value of each person, each creature, and every living thing on this earth. She found joy in all of God’s creations. She had an appreciation for this earth, things found above and things found beneath. She found joy in the stars and moon at night, the sun and clouds of day, the rocks and mountains, valleys and rivers, flowers and trees, the birds above and every creeping thing. She was known to wake children and grandchildren at night to see a full moon, a bright moon, a crescent moon, a waning moon. How could she not share the beauty of God’s creation with those she loved!

Joy was valiant, faithful, courageous, loving, compassionate, and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ until her last breath. We know she, along with her eternal companion Jerry, will continue to watch over us, to help us on our journey through this life.

The family would like to thank the thoughtful and compassionate staff and administration of Terrace Grove Assisted Living in Logan, Utah and the CNS Hospice Care of Logan, Utah. They have been amazing and we appreciate them more than we can express.

To honor Joy, if you would like, you may make a donation in memoriam to the Humanitarian Aid Fund at this link give.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-humanitarian-services or to a charity of your choosing.

Visitation and viewing Friday August 7, 2026 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Strode Funeral Home, 610 S Duncan St, Stillwater Oklahoma 74074. All family and friends are welcome.

Funeral Service Saturday August 8, 2026 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2324 West 26th Avenue, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074. All family and friends are welcome.

Interment following at Fairlawn Cemetery 1123 East 6th Avenue, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Live Broadcast of Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. on August 8, 2026 (listed by name): https://youtube.com/@stillwaterokpioneerward?si=-qihtjZTI5wLxx9s