Lavinia Padgett Hurst

Lavinia Padgett Hurst, 89, of Live Oak, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2026, entering the loving arms of Jesus and reuniting with her beloved husband, Leroy.

Lavinia was born on April 7, 1937, in Andrews, North Carolina, to Arnold W. and Betty Conley Padgett. At a young age, her family moved to Lake Alfred, Florida. In the mid-1950s, she moved to Live Oak, Florida, where she married the love of her life, Leroy Hurst Jr., in February 1957.

Lavinia dedicated 27 years of service to the Suwannee County School District. In addition to her work with the school district, she helped her husband with their family farming operation whenever needed. Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her family, her work, and her faith.

Lavinia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known for her strong Christian faith, her love for her family, her wonderful cooking, and her one-of-a-kind personality. She was loving, funny, and a little stubborn at times, but those who knew her wouldn’t have had her any other way.

Above all, Lavinia loved the Lord. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she made certain that her children and grandchildren understood the importance of having a relationship with Him. She often reminded them, “You better be right with the Lord, because you just never know.” Her faith and the values she instilled in her family will continue to live on for generations.

Lavinia was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Hurst Jr.; her parents, Arnold W. and Betty Conley Padgett; her brothers, E.B. Padgett and Cecil Padgett; and her sister, Doris Hartley.

She is survived by her three children, Leroy Hurst III (Sue), Cindy Johnson (James), and Sherri Williamson (Bruce); her sister-in-law, Debbie Deloach (Carlton); six grandchildren, Douglas Hohman (Nicole), Tyson Hurst, Jessica Goodson (Graham), Sarah Dohrn (Daniel), Dillon Johnson (Jordan), and Jacob Williamson (Nicole); eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

While her family will certainly miss her presence, her humor, and her familiar words of wisdom, they take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her husband, and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Graveside services will be held, 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the Live Oak Cemetery with Dr. Jimmy Deas officiating.