Lonathan D Hurse

On July 30, 2023, Lonathan D. Hurse transitioned to his eternal heavenly home in Chicago, Illinois. Services celebrating his life will be held at 10: 00 AM on Saturday, August 26th, at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township Friends and relatives may begin calling at 9:00 AM on Saturday at the Fairplain Chapel. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Please share messages or memories at http://www.florin.net Born on December 19, 1948, Lonathan, affectionately known as Lonie, was the eleventh of twelve children born to the late Renzie Ellis Sr. and Clara Pearl (Seawood) in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Whether you referred to him as Lonie, Lonathan, or Billy—a nickname affectionately given to him by his mother, both of them sharing its significance, alternatively, there was Shag, a moniker stemming from his childhood's long thick hair, a term embraced by much of his family. Lonie was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. In 1967, Lonie completed his studies at Benton Harbor High School. His passion for politics took flight in 1971. After completing his B.S. degree from Michigan State University's College of Social Science, he advanced his education at the University of Michigan, securing a Master of Business Administration in 1974. Continuing his educational pursuit, Lonie earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco Law School in 1979. With approval from the State of Illinois Supreme Court, he was granted the authority to practice law as an Attorney and Counselor on January 11, 1980. Throughout his professional journey, Lonie wholeheartedly committed his expertise as an attorney at Sears Roebuck in Chicago. Before his retirement, he took on the distinguished mantle of an Administrative Law Judge for the Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings, appointed April 16, 2001. Lonie extended his services to many friends and family, providing legal counsel up until his death. Beyond his legal pursuits, Lonie was significantly impacted by sharing his knowledge with the community through teaching at local schools. His dedication extended to his involvement as a prominent member of the Bar Association, Judge Association of Illinois, and a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc member. Lonie joined in matrimony with Martha Cotton, and from their union, they were blessed with a joyful addition to their family, a baby girl named Jihan. Driven by a genuine love for education and politics, Lonie was not just a mere enthusiast but a true history buff. Lonie and Martha created an impressive board game centered around black history called Innervision. Beyond his professional pursuits, he found solace in leisurely travels and engaged his creative spirit by crafting short stories and screenplays. Notably, he cherished moments of laughter and camaraderie during Sunday dinners with his family. Lonie's affinity for classic tunes, particularly those by the Temptations and various Motown artists, underscored his fondness for old-school music. Lonie's legacy lives on through his cherished daughter, Jihan Hurse, and his grandson, Rion White. His brothers, Renzie Ellis Jr. and Theotis Hurse continue to honor his memory, along with his sisters, Jettie and Erma Hurse. He leaves behind a close-knit extended family composed of nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, namely Lillian Hurse, Florence Conway, Benjamin Hurse, James Hurse, Marie Barnes, Lorraine Foriest, and Lennie Hurse.

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Lonathan D Hurse

December 19, 1948 - July 30, 2023