Grace Hylton Curnutt

Friday, November 9, 2007

Grace Hylton Curnutt, born in 1907 in Douglas County, died Nov. 6, 2007, at age 100. Her half-century teaching career began in one-room schools. She taught in the first year of kindergarten programs in Mt. Vernon and in Springfield. From 1958 to 1973, she was at Springfield's Bingham Elementary School. After retiring, she volunteered for 23 years with St. John's Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of University Heights Baptist. Starting in 1924, she taught in long-closed Douglas County schools at Hickory Flat, Denlow, Mint Springs, and Crossroads and in Center School in Lawrence County. Later, Grace taught in Aurora, Mount Vernon, and Nevada. She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburgh. With loving kindness and patience, she taught her many students the joy of learning.

Her children, grandchildren, family and friends are thankful for her loving ways, values, strong faith in God, and for the vauable life lessons she taught.

Grace was married in 1928 to James Floyd Curnutt, who died in 1961. She is survived by her son Jerry (Nancy) Curnutt of Pittsford, N.Y.; her daughter Jane (Paul) Elmore of Hebbronville, Texas; four grandchildren, Heather and Michael Cumutt and Matt (Mandy and John Elmore, and several nieces and nephews.)

A ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at the Ava cemetery on Friday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. A nephew, the Rev. Jim Hylton, will conduct the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer society, University Heights Baptist Church or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 2929 Carlisle Street, 4230, Dallas, TX, 75204.

The family extends their appreciation to The Manor at Elfindale for their loving care.