Jessica and Matt Taylor were just here the 1st of August and they took their son to Claudia's class August 6th. All afternoon he was stomping through the house singing "I'm in the Lord's Army." He's 3 years old. What a great teacher she was and a great person whom I loved very much. She'll be missed so much.

~ Pat Griffith - October 28, 2017

Heaven gained a beautiful soul this morning. My sweet Aunt Claudia. Her kindness and love were overflowing and her heart for others was so evident. Her laugh could fill a room and her hugs made you feel like everything would be okay. She was goofy, she was spirited, and she was filled with joy. We will sorely miss her.

~ Kate Chambers - October 22, 2017

There were a lot of things I loved about my Aunt Claudia- her laugh, her love for little ones, the quirky way she used to separate her mascara laden eyelashes with a pin because she hated having clumps- and among some of my favorite memories of her was her visit for my wedding. It was the day before I was getting married. I was stressing out because we still had to type the place cards, and I couldn't get the formatting right. My Aunt Claudia told me to "step aside" and went right to work typing them for me. What would have taken me hours upon hours, she completed without even breaking a sweat. The next morning when I entered the kitchen, she was sitting at the kitchen table and began singing "Going to the Chapel" to me. She was the epitome of unconditional love and kindness, and I will miss her tremendously.

~ Justine Harmon - October 21, 2017

My sweet sister-in-law, Claudia Hurley went home to be with the Lord early this morning. Charles Spurgeon once said "Live so as to be missed when you're gone." Claudia did just that. She, and her husband Rick, have poured their hearts into Eastland Baptist Church in Orlando, and are two of the most faithful people I have ever known. She was the Queen of Kindness. Her smile emanated from deep within her soul, and her laughter will echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to be her family and friends. No need to light candles or hold vigils for Claudia, she is more alive right now than we are, and she is with the Savior she served and the family that had gone on before her. I love you sweet Claudia, and I will see you again some glad day!

~ Dean Herring - October 19, 2017

I am astounded by how many lives my sister has touched in Florida. Having lived there 28 years, she got involved in her local church as their secretary and 2-3 year old Sunday School teacher. I can’t count the number of people who came up to me and said what an influence Claudia had been on them and their children. Claudia fought the good fight and finished the race, I can hear Jesus saying thank you my good and faithful servant.

~ Billy Thacker - October 19, 2017

My favorite memories of Aunt Claudia revolve around Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving is about family and Aunt Claudia loved her family and loved being around them. On Thursday morning you would find Claudia on the sofa in the living room looking at the black Friday ads. She would map out where her and Uncle Rick were headed very early the next morning. But she wasn't shopping for deals for herself or even for her own kids, she was shopping for her Sunday School class. She loved her ministry and the people she ministered too. She was the ultimate example of a servant. The Bible says that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy but I (Jesus) have to to give abundant life. She was an amazing an example of a lady that lived an abundant life. She leaves an incredible legacy. I want to leave that kind of legacy.

~ Angela Witt - October 16, 2017

You taught me the lifelong skill of typing, but more than that you can me the encouragement and confidence I needed to become a piano teacher while I was still a teenager. Thank you for all the sweet memories from high school, the senior trip, and beyond.

~ Kimberly Pierce - October 16, 2017

Oh the memories with sweet, Aunt Claudia! I could fill a book with all of the memories that I hold throughout my childhood with this amazing lady! She was sooooo kind, always happy, incredibly generous, and had a way of making everyone feel special. My favorite memories surround the trips she and Uncle Rick would take to our house every year at Easter. She made Easter like Christmas for us kids. It was literally the best time of the year! We played board games and ate candy and just had the best time! She was such a bright light of love to everyone around her. Her laugh was infectious! You could not be upset when she was around. I hope to bring as much joy and love to my nieces and nephews as she brought to me.
I love you, sweet Aunt Claudia! You are greatly missed. I look forward to hugging your neck one day and hearing your laugh again.

~ Georgia Adams - October 16, 2017

Mrs. Claudia was such a special person. Although I never had the opportunity to be very close with her, the love that she had for the Lord was so evident in everything that she did. Anytime I saw her whether it was picking up Tala from the preschool, bringing Mr. Hurley anything that he needed when I was in high school or just working with the little ones at the church, she served with her whole heart. I'm so thankful for the example she was even in just the everyday passing by at Eastland. By just being in her presence you could tell the joy and love she had in and for the Lord. I'm so thankful for the example that she was and the heart that she had for serving our Lord. Although she is gone from this earth and "absent from the body", it brings so much joy to know that she's with the Lord and "present with the Spirit" as the Bible promises. Mrs. Claudia left such a wonderful legacy and she will be missed so very much by so many people, Eastland won't be the same without her but how wonderful it is to know that someday very soon we'll all be reunited with her and the Lord.

~ Heather Cardenaz - October 15, 2017

I met Claudia & Rick back in the early '90's at Eastland Baptist. We instantly became friends. Claudia always made me laugh and was such an encouragement not only to me, but to so many. Sending my sincere sympathy to Rick, their children and families. Rest in peace sweet one. We'll be coming to join you when our time arrives.

~ Barbara (Lanham) Duckworth - October 15, 2017

Mrs. Hurley is such a dedicated woman. She remains a diligent person in all my memories. I remember walking along side the old, white Eastland building to open the last door on the right. Undoubtedly, to be greeted by her sitting at her (what seemed to be) extremely large, wooden secretary-desk. I would linger and ask her questions- questions that she always kindly answered. I could get her to giggle and snort every now and then with my silly little girl talk. I always felt welcomed in her presence. She was kind even as I interrupted her. Fast forward to 10 years and not a thing had changed. Persistantly working, radiantly smiling, loudly laughing, across from my father's office. There were many acts of kindness that exceeded those routine interactions. Acts that were not just a blessing to me, but to my entire family. Those acts were always preformed with grace and a chipper spirit.

~ Emily Green - October 15, 2017

Happy Birthday "My Love." As we celebrate your life here on earth, I know you're celebrating with Our Lord and Savior Jesus in heaven: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" What a blessing for you for: "we see through a glass, darkly; but [you] face to face." Happy Birthday Claudia! Love, Rick.

1 Cor 13:12-13
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJB)

~ Rick Hurley - October 15, 2017

Where does one begin when remembering an angel. My earliest memories of Claudia begin when were just little girls sharing a room. She was sweet, compliant and a defender of right, Those were carefree days of heading to the park, playing in our room or the yard. Countless escapades of climbing trees, playing in the leaves, making a pool, camping trips and day trips with Dad, trips to NY to see our grandparents, we were joined at the hip. We held each other's secrets, broke up with each other's boyfriends since they couldn't tell one from the other on the phone, haha and covered for each other. We had families, came to know and live for the Lord; than we shared each other's joys and burdens, prayed for one another; a sisterhood built on Christ and deeply rooted. Time together was spent as families or on our spa trips catching up on our lives. It was a sweet and memorable time sharing and enjoying time off from our ordinarily busy lives. Times of refreshment and hold some of the sweetest memories. My heart hurts and I am not ready to say goodbye. This I do know, heaven has gained one of the sweetest angels that have ever lived. Happy Birthday Sis, you leave a void that only God can fill. You have done well my sweet sister and left a legacy of countless lives touched.

~ Sylvia Westerlund - October 15, 2017

I first met Claudia when she and Rick started attending Eastland Baptist Church where they grew in the Lord together. Claudia was a friendly, vivacious servant of God who brought Sunday school lessons to life for toddlers including two of our sons. I remember walking in her class one Sunday and seeing lots of baskets and white packing peanuts all over the floor. Claudia said, "They're collecting manna today." One time she had countless Fisher Price and Weebles people setting all around. She smiled at me and said,"Jesus feeding the 5000." Another time, lots of pairs of animals for "Noah's ark." And it wasn't just the props! Claudia had a genuine love and desire to see her students grow to love Jesus. Thank you, Claudia. Your faithfulness and dedication inspired me to be a better teacher! I was privileged to know you, to get to work and serve with you, and to be your friend. You will be missed by so many, but I am so thankful that you get to be with Jesus, the One you taught about for so many years. Prayers of comfort to your family and friends. Love, Brenda Branch

~ Brenda Branch - October 14, 2017

It's difficult not to think of Claudia when you think of Eastland Baptist Church. The amount of love and dedication she had towards God showed in all she did for the church. The number of children that have been positively impacted by Claudia demonstrates the love she had of others. I'll always remember her singing her heart out with the children in the beginners groups.
It's hard to imagine anyone giving the same level of love, kindness and dedication to the work she did at Eastland Church. I feel great joy that's she's in Heaven, but a great amount of sorrow for the short time I'll be without her. Although I have great faith in God and Jesus, if anyone could add to Heavens organization it would be Claudia Hurley. She is missed greatly and was loved unconditionally always. I love you so very much, I miss you so. Till we see you in Heaven. Love

~ Vicki and Jeff Young - October 14, 2017

Claudia had a true servant's heart! Years ago she influenced me to be a better teacher when she taught my son in Sunday school. She always went above her responsibility. I remember walking into her class seeing white packing peanuts all over the floor and baskets on her table. She said "the kids are going to pick up manna today." I went in another time to see little weeble people all over. She said "today Jesus feeds the 5000." Another time I walked into her room and she had all the animals for Noah and the ark. Great impact on children's lives and mine as well. Thank you, Claudia! You WILL be missed! And I'm thankful you get to hear "Well done!" Prayers for your family and church. Brenda

~ Brenda Branch - October 14, 2017

My love and prayers are with all you and I wish so much we could be there! I will always be thankful for Claudia. The love she showed to everyone one that knew her was Amazing especially to Tammy and Hannah! We love her so much and we love you and all of the family very much ! Our prayers will be with you!

~ Dianne Varnadoe - October 14, 2017

May Claudia find peace in the loving embrace of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS! She will be missed and remembered for all her selfless service to his ministry. May GOD bless and ease her families pain during this time of loss.

~ Dwayne Frye - October 14, 2017

No matter what event I attended Claudia was always there with a smile and greeting. Even at the Childrens Home she would pop in sometimes to make sure everything was going well. Claudia had a huge giving heart, especially for the children. She is missed and I look forward to seeing her again.

~ Paula W - October 14, 2017

I just want to start out with how much I admire mrs Hurley as a teacher..as a good godly influence for my girls..and just as an over all person! She has really made a lasting impact on my life from when I started her Sunday school class 21 years ago all the way to my girls getting the honor to be taught the Word of God by her. My girls knew every Sunday that they were gonna get to see Mrs Hurley and if we ever missed a day for them to be in her class they got sad that they had to miss it. I still sing the poochie lip diseas song to my girls every time the get pouty! And we still sing the wiggle worm song together all the time. I loved Mrs Hurley and I know my girls loved her just as much! She will be sorely missed and it won't be the same without her! You and your family will be in our prayers.

~ Alexandra Allums - October 14, 2017

My sister’s birthday is tomorrow, October 15. I have remeberances of her from the time she was born. She was the prettiest, blond child growing up with the best smile and disposition. She didn’t change once she was an adult. She was always kind, joyful, dependable, sweet and very giving to all of her siblings. Her laugh and sneeze will forever be unique.

She is the first child in our family to be in Heaven with our parents.

~ Gwen Kehl - October 14, 2017

My lastest memory of Claudia is from this spring when the two of us had to plan and put on the Ladies Spring luncheon in one week. When it was all over Claudia said what a joy it was to work so easily with each other. And it sure was! Of course we both gave God the credit, but I have to say that Claudia's great laugh and amiability sure contributed to such sweet unity. I will surely miss her and every ladies' luncheon will remind me of her!

~ Debbie Ohman - October 14, 2017

Where to begin? Claudia was my friend. I am still shocked that she is not here with us.
When I think of Claudia, I think of her love for Eastland Baptist Church and the work of God. Her whole life was spent ministering. She would neglect her own needs to serve others. She mentioned to me many times how thankful she was that we served at "her church". She was fiercely loyal to our Pastor. I know he misses her deeply. "Good and Faithful Servant" is the perfect description of who Claudia was.
I loved her very much and miss her already. I will miss her laugh. I will miss our weekly talks. I will miss her taking up for everyone (even if they didn't deserve it).:) One day we will hug and take up where we left off. So thankful for this hope of the future that we have in Jesus Christ. I'll see you again, Claudia.

~ Tara Hurley - October 14, 2017

Emily's 1st SS teacher! She entered her class on her 2nd birthday! Emily was 1 of 100's or maybe over 1000 little kids that first starting learning about Jesus through this special lady. She has been a gift from God to Eastland Baptist for close to 30 years. But our wise and loving God wanted her to quit working so He called her home to Him for rest! She passed peacefully in her sleep last night. You would have to know her to understand what a special lady she was. She will be so sorely missed! Please be in prayer for her family as I know that are in a great amount of grief!

~ Louise Cook - October 14, 2017

My sweet sister-in-law, Claudia Hurley went home to be with the Lord early this morning. Charles Spurgeon once said "Live so as to be missed when you're gone." Claudia did just that. She, and her husband Rick, have poured their hearts into Eastland Baptist Church in Orlando, and are two of the most faithful people I have ever known. She was the Queen of Kindness. Her smile emanated from deep within her soul, and her laughter will echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to be her family and friends. No need to light candles or hold vigils for Claudia, she is more alive right now than we are, and she is with the Savior she served and the family that had gone on before her. I love you sweet Claudia, and I will see you again some glad day!

~ Dean Herring - October 14, 2017

My love and prayers are with all you and I wish so much we could be there! I will always be thankful for Claudia. The love she showed to everyone one that knew her was Amazing especially to Tammy and Hannah! We love her so much and we love you and all of the family very much ! Our prayers will be with you!

~ Dianne Varnadoe - October 14, 2017

I sit here now and think back 17 years ago Claudia came into my life. It’s unimaginable that I have to let go of the most important person in my life. Without Claudia, my life would be so much different in many ways. Her guidance in my life made sure I stayed connected to church and to always lean on God. She would always tell me “Renee, God has a plan”. I’ll value the opportunity I had to work along side of her and seeing the dedication she had for her job and church. I will miss the weekend get aways, eating too much Godiva chocolate, and shopping until closing time. She taught me how to be a good Godly mother, how to love people, how to give grace, how to forgive. Watching Claudia love her husband, love her family, love her Pastor, love God is something I will always cherish. Knowing Claudia felt the love from everyone in her family and church before leaving this earth is a tremendous comfort and blessing. I love you so much Claudia.

~ Renee Carmichael - October 13, 2017

A Godly and wonderful woman.
I will truly miss her.
She could always put a smile on my face even in the darkest times of my life.
I know she is smiling.
Saying "Stop it now".
She will always inspire me to be more than I am.
I will see her again.

Rick,Cheston,Josh,Ginny. My most heartfelt condolences go out to you.

Love y'all

~ Paul Milks - October 13, 2017

I met Mrs Hurley when I was 3 years old, as she was my first Sunday school teacher. I still remember the games we played and the songs we sang in her class. Even some of her lessons have stuck with me, such as “having a happy Bible”. I am so grateful my daughter was able to have her as her first Sunday school teacher as well and spend some time in her class. She loved Mrs Hurley and I know it’s because of Mrs Hurley that Esther enjoys going to church and is no longer scared when she gets dropped off. I am so sorry for your loss Mr Hurley and family. Mrs Hurley was a wonderful, special lady and will be so dearly missed??

~ Rachel Ansell - October 13, 2017

Twenty eight years as "My Bride." I thank God for every one of them. You are truly a gift from God for me Claudia. Thank You Jesus for every minute we shared together. Praising the Lord you are not suffering any more but many tears for me. I miss you, I miss you, I'll love you forever. Rick

~ Richard Hurley - October 13, 2017