Hurley Council

Hurley Council, Jr. (90) peacefully transitioned from this earthly home to his eternal home on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Sapphire Nursing at Meadow Hill in Newburgh, New York.

Born on July 4, 1934, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, Hurley was the eldest of six children born to the late Hurley Council Sr. and Laura Key. At an early age, he moved to Newburgh, New York, where he built a life centered around faith, family, and service.

On June 24, 1962, Hurley married the love of his life, Viola Buxton Council. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend.

For more than 50 years, Hurley was a dedicated and faithful member of the Mount Carmel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ in Newburgh, New York, where the pastor is Elder Dr. Thermond E. Herring. He served diligently as a member of the Usher Board Ministry and Nurses’ Ministry and was an active participant in Sunday School and Bible Study. His service extended beyond the church walls, as he was always ready and willing to assist Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson and Mother Emma Johnson, driving them wherever they needed to go.

Professionally, Hurley worked for Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, NJ, and Yellow Freight Trucking Company in Maybrook, NY, before retiring. He was a proud Mason of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge NY, 3rd District, Hebron Lodge No. 48.

Hurley’s infectious smile had a way of lighting up every room he entered. His humor was just as unforgettable, often responding to the question, “How are you?” with “I’m still above ground” or “I’m getting old.” When asked about his wife, he would always say, “She’s my friend, my wife, and my mom.”

Hurley enjoyed singing two of his favorite songs: “People Get Ready” by The Impressions (“People get ready, there’s a train a comin’, don’t need no baggage, just get on board”) and “Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell (“Nobody greater, nobody greater than You”).

Left to cherish his memories: Hurley is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Viola Buxton Council of Newburgh, NY; his two sons, Steven Council of Newburgh, NY, and Sherrell (Angela) Council of Raleigh, NC; two grandsons, Jerrell (Anastasia) Council of Creedmoor, NC, and Isaiah Council of Raleigh, NC; two great-granddaughters, Zoe Council and soon-to-arrive Naomi Council; one sister, Bertha Council of Hope Mills, NC; and one brother, Lenwood (Ada) Council of Jacksonville, NC. He also leaves behind his in-laws: Milton (Montez) Buxton of Newburgh, NY, Geraldine Chavis of Maybrook, NY, and Geneva Buxton of Connecticut. Special Tributes: Hurley also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and cherished family members including: Cousins: Velmer Buxton, Robert Burns, Johnnie and Gwen Buxton, Rosco and Rutell Williams, and Elmer (Bernadette) Buxton (predeceased), Friends: Ed Rich, Zitri McFarland, George Monroe, Adam and Alma Bowman, Deacon Billie Ray Brunson, William and Dorothy Fields, and Charles “Bud” Best (predeceased), Adopted Children: Jessie McCallop, Mollie Allen, Deacon Bernard, and Nancy Maise, Special Niece & Nephews: Keisha, Junie, and Tony, Godchildren: Ernest “Fuzzy” Caldwell (predeceased) and Tony Mitchell, Adored Special People: Courtney and Justin Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: James (Hattie) Council, George Council, Lonnie (Mary) Council, brothers-in-law, William “Pap” (Eleanor) Buxton and James Buxton, and mother-in-law, Myrtle Buxton.