June West Hurst

June West Hurst, 90, lifelong resident of Smithfield, died on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in her home after a lingering illness. June was born on January 16, 1935 in Suffolk Va. to the late James Edward "Red" West Sr. and Blanche Holland West.

For many years, June sang in the choirs of Smithfield Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. She served as a Girl Scout leader and was president of the Smithfield Junior Woman's Club. She enjoyed luncheons with her friends in the Red Hat Society. In the early 1960's, June was a contestant on NBC TV's game show, "Say When", and as a returning champion, she won numerous prizes, including a mink coat, motorboat, and enough oatmeal to feed an orphanage for a year.

June joined a community theater group in 1960 with the Smithfield Recreation Association and became involved with producing and directing children's plays and musicals. In August of 1962, she was an actor in "The Cat and the Canary", a murder mystery held in the old Smithfield High School. This show marks the origin of what we now know as the Smithfield Little Theatre and June began her leadership role directing 18 plays and musicals between 1971 and 2001. In 1975, June married Jim Hurst and this duo was the theatre's mainstays for 30 years. They produced, directed, designed and constructed sets and Jim was even involved with the construction of today's Smithfield Little Theatre building. In August 2022, June was saluted for the Theatre's 60th anniversary in a Downtown Smithfield Summer Concert variety performance.

June's survivors include daughter Debbie Cartwright (Jack) of Macon, Ga., sons Joseph E. Nelms, III of Smithfield and Bryan K. Nelms (Sobeida Henriquez-Nelms) of Newport News, stepdaughter Sherrie Pifer (Fred) of Covington, grandchildren Catherine Mealor (Bill) of Atlanta, Ga., Sally Pickle (Trent) of Far Hills, N.J., Joseph E. Nelms, IV of Smithfield, Berenice Henriquez of Newport News, Carlos Hines (Alyssa) of Newport News, Raymond Veras (Victoria) of Newport News, Josue Veras of Newport News, Kevin Veras of Aurora, Co., Pablo Veras of Newport News, great grandchildren Griggs and Davis Mealor, George and Virginia Pickle, brother Jimmy West of Kitty Hawk, N.C., aunt Iola Saunders of Chuckatuck, niece Jennifer Stanley (Greg) of Williamsburg, nephew Jay West of Dallas, Tx. Other loving relatives include Jordan Pifer, Yudy Henriquez, Hannah Jorge, Ruth Jorge and several cousins, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 33 years James Hurst, daughter Donna Nelms, grandson Bryan Jeremias Nelms Henriquez, granddaughter Kathy Nelms Henriquez, and sister-in-law Candie West.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in memory of June to the Smithfield Little Theatre or to a charity of their choice. June's family wishes to thank all of her caregivers, friends, and neighbors for their loving kindness and support.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com