On the evening of Sunday, July 3, 2011, after a lingering illness,JOSEPH ELMER HURT was called home to live with God. Elmer, as he was called, was born in Bedford, VA on October 11, 1935 to the late Caleb and Lula Hurt. He accepted the Lord at an early age and joined the New Zion Church of Bedford, VA under the late Rev. John Drew. He attended the Creasy Elementary School and graduated from the Bedford Training School where he dreamed of becoming a pilot. Following graduation, Elmer attended the Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago and in 1954 received a degree in Diesel and Scientific Motor Tune-Up. He served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1960. On July 6, 1957, he was united in holy matrimony to Doretha (Dora) Brown, of Goodview, VA, with whom he enjoyed fifty-four wonderful years; this union was blessed with four children. Elmer and Doretha moved to Mt. Vernon, NY where he quickly became an integral member of the community. He worked for several years at Crown Transmission and later was the service manager at Yonkers Dodge. Elmer started his own auto repair business and opened his first shop on South Eighth Avenue in 1964. He later moved to East Third Street where he managed a successful business for over 35 years; he employed the first black female mechanic in Mt. Vernon. Along with his family, Elmer joined the Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Richard H. Dixon, Jr. and was ordained as a Deacon on December 11, 1977; he was a faithful member and sometimes served on the Men's Chorus. He was also a member of the Community Men's Club. Elmer received many awards and acknowledgments for his community involvement including the Women's Welfare Club "Outstanding Businessman of the Year" award and the Collin Allen Day Care "Community Service Award." Elmer was a kind and loving husband and father, had a listening ear, and always spoke kindly of everyone. He leaves to rejoice in his memory his devoted wife of 54 years, Doretha; one son, Joseph Jr. of New Rochelle, NY; three daughters, Margaret (Stevenson) of Richmond, VA, Theresa of Birmingham, AL, and Dolores of Naugatuck, CT; six grandchildren, two great-grand children; one brother, Frederick (Joyce) Hurt of Mt. Vernon, NY; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.