Hillary Lancaster

Services for Hillary Ann (Hurt) Lancaster, 72, Tyler are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception with Father Gus Tharappel and Deacon Steve Curry officiating. Burial will be at Cathedral in the Pines under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, TX. After the burial service, a reception will be held at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception parish center. Mrs. Lancaster died on Thursday, September 2, 2010, in Tyler. On June 29, 1938, Hillary was born in Teaneck, NJ to the late Russell and Mabel Hurt. Due to her father's work, she had lived in many places throughout her childhood including southern California and Seattle, WA. In 1960, she received a degree in home economics from Penn State. After working for a year at McCalls magazine, her sense of adventure brought her to Hawaii where she worked in a portrait photography studio. In 1968, Hillary met her future husband, the late Jerry Lancaster, at the Atlanta Ski Club Christmas party. They were married seven months later on July 12, 1969. They were blessed with two wonderful children. During her time in Atlanta, she took architectural drafting classes. Due to her husband's job, Hillary moved to Tyler, TX in 1975. Earlier on, she established a successful home design business. She designed some of the most beautiful homes in Tyler and the surrounding areas. She was a key founder of the Tyler Jazz Festival. From her involvement with jazz festival, she and her husband created a small record label that promoted local musicians. Hillary was known as a generous and caring person who touched everyone she met. She was a wonderful and loving wife and mother. She was very encouraging to people who had known her including her children. She had a creative spirit who enjoyed exploring many artistic outlets. Hillary is survived by her daughter, Shannon Lancaster, Savannah, GA; son, Mark Lancaster, Baltimore, MD; granddaughter, Hilary Rose, Baltimore, MD; brother, Robert D. Hurt, D.D.S.; sister, Michael Feeney, Payson, AZ; and a sister, Susan Puhl, M.D., Iowa City, IA. Pallbearers will be Dr. Andy Hoover, David Jay, Lee Palmore, Michael Gross, Riley Harris, and Bob Hurt. Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, at the Stewart Family Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, 75701 or may be made to Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul building fund, Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 423 S. Broadway, Tyler, 75702.

Hillary Lancaster

June 29, 1938 - September 2, 2010