Obituary of Shelbie Genevieve Hurst

Shelbie Genevieve “GenaBee” Hurst, age 29, passed away on December 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as GenaBee, she lived fully into the meaning of her name—Genevieve, a woman of the people, a woman of family, a tribal woman. GenaBee was a proud member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, part of the Beaver Clan, and carried her heritage with deep reverence and strength.

An artist’s soul lived within her, always seeking beauty and goodness in the world and in the people who inhabit it. Those who knew her found safety in her gentle compassion and empathy, and strength in her fierce protectiveness and unwavering loyalty. GenaBee was not only a tribal woman—she was a courageous warrior, a healer of weary hearts, and a devoted caregiver to the wounds life leaves behind.

Her spirit lives on through her artwork, in the memories of all whose lives she touched, and most especially through the precious daughter she gave life to and named Athena.

GenaBee is survived by her beloved daughter Athena; her mother Amy Battise; her father Christopher Hurst; her brother Benjamin Hurst and his wife Veronica; her sister Pamela Hurst; her brother Jonathan Hurst; her sister Liz Douglas; her brother Nathaniel Hurst; her sister Alarah Hurst; her maternal grandmother Cheri Thomas; and a large extended family and many dear friends.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service, located at 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882.

GenaBee’s light, love, and warrior spirit will forever remain woven into the hearts of those who knew her.