Pearl Greta Hurst Davis, was born in New York City, New York on March 23, 1928 and was the first of two daughters welcomed to Louise Hamilton and Lemuel Paxton Hurst. In her first year, Greta was sent to Suffolk, Virginia to live and be raised by her grandparents, William and Annie Hurst. Greta thrived in Suffolk where she enjoyed the company of her many uncles and aunts, and the abiding love of her grandparents. Her Grandmother Annie taught her to sew and cook two talents she continued and joyously share throughout her life. She attended Booker T. Washington High School where she graduated in 1945. Greta continued her education at Hampton University in Hampton, VA.from where she graduated in 1949 with a Bachelors degree in Biology.
Upon her graduation, Greta moved to New York City where her interest in science led her to a position as a lab technician at Bellevue Hospital. In 1956 Greta relocated to Rochester, New York to be nearer to her family including her uncles Dr. Nathaniel Hurst and Lloyd Hurst, Esq., and her sister Doris Hurst Gerst.
Greta was married to Reuben Kenneth Davis on April 26th 1956 whom she had met several years earlier. Reuben and Greta settled in Rochester and in January 1957 their first child, Andrea Lynn, was born. A son, Mark Allan followed in November of 1961.
Greta continued to thrive and aspire as a working mother and held numerous and interestingly diverse positions. In 1958 she was inducted into the Rochester Police Department as one of its first female officers. In the later 1960s she again became a lab technician for the Monroe County Water Authority. For two years in the 1970's, as a teacher, she shared her love of science with students at Our Lady of Mercy High School. Fortunately for her daughter, a student at Mercy, she was a very popular teacher. When she wasn’t employed her hiatus successes were found at the hardest job of all which was as a "stay-at-home-mom".
Greta was very active with the Links, loved the theater often seeing one Broadway show or play a year. She enjoyed the opera, museums and was active in several charities. She was a devoted (not burdensome) skating mother and enjoyed her garden with her favorite flowers being Xenias and Gladiolas and she played golf and eventually took to the ice briefly with her son Mark for skating lessons. Her love of music was eternal especially the artists Mahalia Jackson, blues singer Ruth Brown and her all time favorite, Dinah Washington. Greta herself had a resounding alto and could always bring cheer to many a festivity whilst sitting at the upright and belting out a tune or a beloved hymn.
In 1973 she embarked on a new career in the Human Resources Department at the University of Rochester. She held varying positions during her twenty year tenure culminating in her position as Manager of Staff Relations at the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital. It was this position from which she retired in 1993.
Throughout her life Greta enjoyed extensive travel and learning of new cultures and, of course, food and shopping; always savoring the company of others and opening herself up to new and different ways to view the world and its people and to; of course, broaden her keen style sensibilities and glamorous fashion sense. She not only explored the continental United States but also visited her son Mark several times in Germany (Berlin, Munich and Hamburg). Toured in Italy, Trinidad/Tobago, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Hawaii, Mexico, the West Indies and Canada (Montreal, Toronto)
After her retirement Greta relocated to the Chicago, Illinois area to be nearer to her daughter Andrea, son-in-law Bill Zopp and much-loved grandchildren. Greta kept very busy helping Andy and Bill with the kids, and she made many dear friends among Andy and Bill’s co-workers and neighbors and especially among her church family at the Morgan Park United Methodist Church.
In 1999, Greta returned to her beloved Virginia; residing in Chesapeake for three years until illness brought her back to Chicago in 2002.
Upon her return Greta resided at Arden Courts in Palos Heights, Illinois where she touched many a heart with her warm and endearing smile, quick wit, tenacious spirit and engaging character. In these later years, Greta treasured her Sunday excursions with her family where she spent mornings in church and afternoons with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Greta was most proud of her two children in whom which her talent, resourcefulness, compassion, faith and understanding of love and of family were tenderly and joyously instilled.
She is survived by her daughter Andrea Lynn Davis Zopp, Chicago, Illinois, her son Mark Allan Davis of Rochester, New York, a son-in-law William Zopp, grandchildren Alyssa, Kelsey, and Will Zopp also of Chicago, sisters Doris Hurst Gerst of Rochester, New York and Geraldine Poindexter of San Francisco, California, Uncles Lloyd (Clare) Hurst of Charlotte, North Carolina and Morris (Rose) Hurst of Suffolk, Virginia and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2007 at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street by the Rev. Claire Hurst. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
