Deacon Carol Yvonne Hurdle Beckett was born on November 2, 1944, at Pinkston Clinic in Dallas, Texas,

to Mr. Elmer D. Hurdle and Mrs. Catherine Gregg Hurdle. She was the fifth child born to her parents and

was the firstborn of their twins, preceding her sister, Cheryl. The recipient of a rich heritage of faith, Deacon

Beckett was reared in the godly, Christian home of her family, where she experienced the love and delight

of her twin sister and other siblings. Times were often very difficult, and there were many challenges

growing up in Texas during the height of "Jim Crow" and racial segregation; but her family's faith in God's

provision, protection, peace and preservation always saw them through.

Carol began her formal education in kindergarten at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, and

later attended N.W. Harlee Elementary School for the first and second grades. It was during the dark era of

segregation that her family relocated to South Dallas. Their residence was just doors away from the Whites-

only John Henry Brown Elementary School but the Hurdle children were denied the opportunity to enroll

there due to the school district's discriminatory policies. In a bold and courageous response, Carol, along

with her twin sister and their youngest brother, and under the guidance of the NAACP and Civil Rights leader

Juanita Craft, participated as Plaintiffs in the historic desegregation lawsuit against the Dallas Independent

School District, with the Honorable Thurgood Marshall (who would later become the first African American

to sit as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States) serving as lead counsel. Thereby

becoming pioneers in the long fight for racial equality and educational equity for all Black children and

other children of Color who would come behind them seeking a quality education. Carol and her sibling's

heroic involvement as youth in the struggle for justice did much to help dismantle the "separate and

unequal" system of racial disparity in Dallas public schools and in public schools across the nation. During

this time, she continued her primary education at Charles Rice, Phyllis Wheatley, and Colonial Schools

prior to the eventual integration of all Dallas schools. She received her secondary education at James

Madison High School, from which she graduated in the Class of 1962, and went on to attend the University

of Texas at Arlington.

In 1962 after graduating from high school, she entered into marriage with Jerry Jaynes; and from this union

their son, Byron, was born. She later married Zetra Hill, Jr., and this union was blessed with the birth of her

daughter, Shiran. In 1985, she united in matrimony with Lou Beckett. Carol was a fiercely devoted mother,

who cared for and loved her children unconditionally. Her matriarchal legacy continued to flourish through

the lives of her children and all of her descendants, as she became the proud grandmother of seven

grandchildren and the great-grandmother of four. Like a "lioness" she ruled her clan with unrelenting

devotion, and with a passionate and protective affection for all who were a part of her family. Her family

was a source of immense joy and pride to her, reflecting the enduring love, strength, and nurturing spirit

that she carried throughout her life.

Deacon Beckett's professional career was in administrative management, and in 1990 she was employed

by the United States Department of Justice in the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). She

demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence, consistently arriving at 6:30 a.m.

despite a 7:00 a.m. start time, and maintaining near-perfect attendance. Her reliability and performance

led to advancement within the agency, where she progressed from Investigative Assistant to Mission

Support Specialist. Following the agency's reorganization under the United States Department of

Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks, she continued to excel, playing a key role in managing

departmental budgets and supporting payroll operations. Deacon Beckett served as the Budget Officer

under the Special Agent in Charge (SAC), who was the senior executive official responsible for overseeing

all investigative operations of the agency within a specific geographic region—in this case, the Dallas Area,

consisting of five field offices. Her expertise transformed the department, as she demonstrated an

extensive knowledge of the federal budgetary process and successfully managed the program for several

years. In this role, she was responsible for developing and overseeing personnel budgets for the conduct

of official agency business across the United States within the Department of Homeland Security's U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A strong advocate for Black cultural expression even in the

workplace, she demonstrated her convictions and creativity by producing agency-wide annual Black

History programs that were well attended and highly praised. Yes, throughout her exemplary professional

life and during her almost 30 years of service within the agency, Deacon Beckett maintained the highest

standards of decorum, excellence and productivity in the exercise of her duties, and was greatly loved,

respected and admired by her peers, associates and superiors. She was the recipient of various awards,

recognitions, honors and accolades for her outstanding professional performance and achievements; and

her dedication and professionalism continued to earn her distinction within the department until her

retirement in 2020.

The Hurdle family is privileged and blessed by the Lord to have been pillars and pioneers in the

establishment of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) movement in the state of Texas, with a legacy

of faith that goes back over 160 years. In 1865, Deacon Beckett's legendary great grandfather - the

esteemed forefather and illustrious patriarch of the Hurdle family (who was a former slave), the late

Reverend Andrew Jackson Hurdle - founded two of the very first Black Disciples of Christ Churches in

Texas: the Center Point Christian Church and the Clark Street Christian Church. He went on to found and

build the Northeast Texas Christian Theological and Industrial College, and also served as the founding

President of the Northeast Texas Christian Missionary Convention. Thus, with an impeccable and

generations-long heritage in the Disciples of Christ, Carol continued the tradition as a faithful and devoted

Servant of the Lord and of the church throughout the entirety of her life, beginning early in her childhood.

It was as a little girl that Deacon Beckett first heard and believed the Gospel of Christ and gave her heart

to the Lord while attending the Boll Street Christian Church in Dallas, Texas, where her parents and family

were active members. Later, the family united with Forest Avenue Christian Church, where she was

baptized. Little Carol participated, along with her twin and the other Hurdle siblings, in the Sunday School

under the guidance of her father, who served as an Elder of the Church and as the Sunday School

Superintendent, and who modeled the principle of Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house, we will serve

the Lord." All during her early childhood and youth she was actively involved in the church's Children's

Ministry (called "Chi Rho"), and during her teen and young adult years she was an avid participant in the

church's Christian Youth Fellowship, yearly attending and enjoying church-sponsored camps and

retreats. As an adult she continued her faith journey at Forest Avenue Christian Church, and thereafter

became a member of Warren Avenue Christian Church, where she remained until her homegoing.

Throughout her tenure at Warren Avenue, Deacon Beckett served untiringly in a number of church

auxiliaries and ministries, and in various church leadership roles, including as a member of the Sanctuary

Choir, President of the Orion Women's Guild for two terms, and Church Secretary, where she was

responsible for numerous administrative tasks of the church and for preparing and printing the church

weekly bulletins. She loved God with all of her heart and took great joy in serving His People. On May 18,

2014, she was ordained as a Deacon alongside her twin sister Cheryl. Although she faced health

challenges in her later years, still she remained steadfast in her commitment to the church, faithfully

supporting its vision and mission with her presence, and financially through her tithes and offerings,

generously contributing right up until the sunset of her life during the 2026 Homecoming Celebration held

on the first Sunday of last month in March, which commemorated the 156th Anniversary of the church.

During her early adult years, Carol was an enthusiastic sports fan who actively participated in softball

during the summer. She was an ardent and voracious bowler and bowled in leagues year-round. She had

a deep passion for athletics, particularly as a devoted, "come rain or shine" supporter and fan of the Dallas

Cowboys, rarely missing a game, and eagerly anticipating each upcoming season, including this year's

2026 football season. She was an excellent cook and her delicious Lemon Pies will be utterly missed but

never forgotten.

Yes, our dearly beloved Deacon Beckett was an exemplary woman, beautifully unique, who lived life simply

and humbly, but with stately grace and queenly elegance. Like a shining, radiant jewel sent down from

heaven itself, the Lord gave her unto us as a gift, which we cherished more than any diamond or pearl. Her

love was the delight of many, especially of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and of her

twin sister, with whom she shared a bond which began in the womb and remained until her earthly

departure. With her warm and beautiful smile, her personable manner and compassionate spirit, she

touched the lives of many with her blazing light. Quietly and without fanfare or the spotlight she gave

generously to others, taking pleasure in seeing them happy and making sure they always had what they

needed. She was the epitome of confident, competent, capable womanhood, the quintessential

"Christian Woman." She leaves a rich legacy as a consummate professional, respected church member,

beloved family member, devout Christian and Servant of the Lord. While it breaks our hearts to let her go,

we are assured that the fragrance of her memories will abide with us forever. Sleep now, our darling and

precious Carol….take your rest. Lay down your sword and shield, to study war no more. It's been a long

day and we must say farewell….but we will see you again in the morning.

Deacon Beckett was escorted by the Angels of the Lord to her eternal home on Friday, March 17, 2026,

following a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her: father, Mr. Elmer Hurdle;

mother, Mrs. Catherine Hurdle; brothers, Alonzo Hurdle, Napoleon Hurdle, and Lafyette Hurdle; eldest

sister, Velma Brooks; nephew, Daryl Brooks; niece, Ona Hurdle; and grandson, Jhausten Gettis. She leaves

to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Byron Hayes; her devoted daughter and caretaker, Shiran Davis;

her twin sister, Cheryl Wyatt; and her brother, Ronald Hurdle (Cheryl). She is also lovingly remembered by

her grandsons, David Jr., and Rufus (RJ); her granddaughters, Taneisha, Ashley, Brione, and Cham'Breyia;

and her great-grandchildren, Mi'Chaela, Ma'Kenlee, Ja'Kaelyn, and Ja'Corian. She shared a special bond

with her niece, Sandra Brewer (Keith), and her nephew, Terry Brooks, who were raised alongside her. Carol

also leaves behind a cherished friend, Ruby Hicks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved

ones and dear friends, and her Warren Avenue Christian Church family, who will continue to honor her life

and legacy