Mrs. Nathzollo C. Gurley, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 17, 2016 at approximately 11:22 a.m. at her residence in Lima, Ohio. 

She was born on January 9, 1925 in Lima, Ohio to the union of Rev. Nathaniel Lloyd and Corene Pearson Bankston, Sr.; both parents preceded her in death.

On May 30, 1944 she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Curtis Gurley, Sr., who preceded her in death on February 6, 2002.

Mrs. Gurley graduated 2nd in her class at Lima Central High School.  She went to St. Clair Business College in Dayton on a scholarship and received an associate’s degree in Business Administration.  She worked as a Secretary for the United States Air Force until a promotion assigned her to go the Philippines; however she refused to go because she was scared to be in a plane over the ocean.  Mrs. Gurley then attended Wilberforce State College and Bowling Green State College where her major was Mathematics.  She received her Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Northern University in Elementary Education.  She received her Master of Arts from the University of Dayton in Education.  She also studied for her PhD in Education at Columbia University.

Mrs. Gurley had a long career with the Lima City Schools; she was a 5th grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, Lima Senior High School - Dean of Women, Assistant Principal at Lima West Jr. High and served as the first Black Principal in the Lima City Schools at Lima South Jr. High School.  Mrs. Gurley had a long career with the Lima City Schools; she was a 5^th grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, Lima Senior High School -Dean of Women, assistant Principal at Lima West Jr. High and served as the first Black Principal in the Lima City Schools at Lima South Jr. High School. 

She was a faithful member of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church for over 75 years where she served in the Willing Workers Club for youth, Senior Usher Board, Senior Choir, and Sunday School Teacher.  She was a member of the Lima Branch of Ohio Northern Women, Soroptimist International of Lima, Hy-Ho Club, NAACP, The Delta Kappa   Gamma  Society, Urban League.  She participated in work to open public establishments for the Blacks of Lima for inside services.  Mrs. Gurley was a member of  Cyrene Chapter #31 Eastern Star Prince Hall where she held offices as Conductress and  Matron.  She was a Life Member of the PTA State of Ohio.

Mrs. Gurley retired as Principal from South Jr. High School in the Lima City School Systems. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memory 2 sons; Curtis Gurley, Jr. (Betty) of Lima and Nathaniel L. Gurley (Patricia) of Toledo, Ohio. 2 daughters; Corene C. Newby and Flora J. Holland (Lynwood) both of Lima.  A brother;  Nathaniel L. Bankston (Peggie) of Lima.  2 sisters; Velma Pernell and   Marva Upshaw (James) both of Lima.  A sister-in-law; Clara L. Bankston of Lima.  A brother-in-law;  P. L. Gurley of Memphis, TN.   13  grandchildren,  28 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by 2 brothers; Corinth “Bubble” Bankston and Benjamin Bankston.  5     sisters; Rochelle Bankston, Mattie M. Bankston,   Hildegarde Bankston, Olean Jenkins and Ellena   Williams.

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