Elise Powell Hurd was born on June 28, 1914 in Clayton, Texas, in Panola County to the parents of William and Florence Powell. Elise attended school in Carthage, Texas and later moved to Marshall, Texas.

Elise Powell Hurd was united in marriage to Deacon Maurice Hurd, Sr. on September 9, 1933. Maurice preceded her in death after 61 years of marriage. She was a faithful member of Starlight Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a Deaconess and Treasurer of the Women's Mission Group. After moving to Grand Prairie with her family, she became a member of Faith Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

Elise was preceded in death by one son, Maurice Hurd, Jr. (Ruth), and one daughter Theresa Beatrice Hurd Henry (Dr. Johnny Lee Henry – deceased).

She leaves to cherish her memory six sons, Bonner (Annie), James (Carolyn), Thomas (Patricia), Ezekiel (Paulette), Benjamin (Sharon ex-wife), and Larry (Teresa), twenty-six grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.