Civic, Political Leader Mai Bell Hurley Dies At 87

  • Friday, September 4, 2015
Mai Bell Hurley
Mai Bell Hurley

Civic and political leader Mai Bell Hurley has died at age 87.

She was the first woman to serve on the Chattanooga City Council.

Ms. Hurley was also a longtime advocate for the arts and a leader in United Way.

She was a leader in Chattanooga Venture that led to the redevelopment of downtown and the riverfront. 

She most recently served on the Library Board.

Arrangements will be by Heritage Funeral Home.

She was a graduate of Bright School and Girls Preparatory School.

A statement from the United Way said, "United Way of Greater Chattanooga volunteers and staff are deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and loyal supporter, Mai Bell Hurley.  Mai Bell’s life was one of service to Chattanooga and United Way.  She was the first female Community Campaign Chair in 1988 and served as Board Chair in 2004-2005. She also served on the board more many years, and on numerous other committees and advisory panels.

"Mai Bell was a champion for children, and instrumental in pioneering United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s nationally-recognized work in early childhood education.  A key part of her legacy is United Way’s Project Ready for School initiative, which now benefits more than 18,000 children in the Chattanooga area each year by helping them develop the learning skills needed for success in school and life."

“Mai Bell was adamant that Chattanooga should be the best place to raise a child,” said Lesley Scearce, United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s president/CEO. “Her work on behalf of our children will have tremendous impact on generations to come.”

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said, "Trailblazing, visionary, talented -- Chattanooga has lost a pillar of our community. An incredible force for good, Mai Bell broke barriers in becoming our first female City Council representative and then used that platform to lift our city up. Her love for Chattanooga was matched only by her quick wit and determination. She will be missed by many but her legacy lives on."

“In everything she did, Mai Bell always worked diligently for progress and positive change,” said Tom Glenn, United Way Board chairman.  “She will always be warmly remembered and appreciated by United Way of Greater Chattanooga and the community.”

Senator Bob Corker released the following statement: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Mai Bell Hurley. Looking back on the revitalization of Chattanooga and the many positive things that have happened in our great city over the past few decades, so much of it has Mai Bell's fingerprints on it. As a young businessman, I had the great privilege of working closely with Mai Bell through our work with Chattanooga Venture, and later, she played an important role in the creation of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise. I cannot overstate what she has meant to me personally and to our community, and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with her over the years. Elizabeth and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all who were touched by Mai Bell's life."

Board Chairwoman of the Chattanooga Public Library Board and Library Executive Director Karen McMahon said, “It is with great sadness we mourn the passing of our long standing board member, Mai Bell Hurley. Mai Bell dedicated her life to service and advocacy for families and the arts, and her interests, intellect and involvement in these civic areas intersected seamlessly  at the public library. Mai Bell’s commitment to the Chattanooga Public Library began in 1969 and lasted nearly five decades. We will miss her passion and her perspective which is unmatched.”  

Chattanooga Public Library Executive Director Corinne Hill was working with Ms. Hurley this week on new ideas for the coming year. “I  saw Mai Bell twice this week and we had great conversations about library business. She was frail but incredibly sharp, as usual. I will really miss her. She was a great mentor,” Ms. Hill said.  

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