Arlyene McCurdy

Arlyene McCurdy, 93, died Monday, May 21, 2012 in Hendrick Medical Center Hospice Care in Abilene. Arlyene was born to James A. and Bell LeMaster Stout on April 10, 1919, at their home in Brinkman, Oklahoma. The youngest of ten children, she was always playful, fun-loving, and the delight of her older brothers and sisters who would have said she never had to pick cotton or milk cows like they did! Her sense of humor and wit continued through her last days. She graduated from Eastview High School and attended college at Southwestern State in Weatherford, OK, where she met J. C. McCurdy, who became her sweetheart and husband of 72 years. To them were born two daughters, Carolyn Ann and Janey Kay. Like most women of her generation, Arlyene was not employed outside the home; she always put her energy into caring for her family. She was a skilled homemaker and one of the best cooks in the state of Texas! No one ever turned down a chance to eat at her table! She was a master seamstress and loved doing all kinds of needlework and quilting. She was an artist in the kitchen, serving splendid meals that included homemade bread and fabulous desserts. Her hospitality was widely known and she will be remembered for her annual "African Party" at A.C.U. Lectureship. Arlyene enjoyed travelling, and she and her husband made eight trips to Africa for mission work. Their home was always open to missionary families who passed through Abilene. A member from youth of the Church of Christ, her personal Christianity was apparent in the way she lived and her legacy has been passed down to three generations. Arlyene is survived by daughter, Janey Mims; grandchildren Allen Close of Lexington, SC, Denise Santiago of Euless, TX, and David Mims of Keller, TX; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Ashley and Brianna Close, Bethany and Daniel Santiago, and Presley Grace Mims; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a second mother to son-in-law, Dennis Mims, and John Hanson. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. C.; daughter, Carolyn; granddaughter, Cynthia; her brothers, Archie, Foy, Ernest and Eldon Stout; her sisters, Ella York, Jewel Hood Smith, LeNora Hudson, Versie Hoffman and Dorene Hoffman. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, at Hillcrest Church of Christ with her nephew, Jim York of Dumas, TX, officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Visitation will be Thursday, May 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Luke Close, John Hanson, John Delton Hanson, Glenn Hoffman, Jim Hoffman and Jimmie Boles. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601.