Mary Elizabeth

Hughes

Ms. Mary Elizabeth "Ma" Hughes was born on May 6th, 1935 to Essie Walker. Mary graduated from Maggie Walker High School, and later attended Virginia Union University where she received her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Mary worked a full-time position at Richmond's City Hall as she was completing her studies at Virginia Union University during the evening. As a teacher, she worked in the private school sector, and never once complained about money or other circumstances during that period. She has always had an immense love for children and education, and always demonstrated resilience and faith as she journeyed through this life.

If there is only one word to describe Mary, it would be "loving". She loved and cherished her family deeply above all. She was a very confident woman, who needed no assurance from anyone about who she was and what is important in life. She stayed steadfast to those values, and never deterred off of her path. Mary loved God tremendously, and there was never a day that she didn't mention or praise Him. She was always faithful and devoted to her relationship with God, and put Him in every action and decision she'd make. Throughout her life, she'd always remain true to her faith and spread His word religiously.

Mary is also known amongst her family and peers as the most generous woman to ever grace this Earth. She would give you the clothes off her back and the last penny in her account if it meant it would make her loved ones happy. Mary was happy when her loved ones were happy, she would thrive when her family thrives. Her character was truly of the highest standards, and her love was unyielding. Mary's selflessness and kindness were attributes that her family and loved ones will forever be grateful for.

From her son, Donald "Chucky" Hughes: It's going to be different not seeing you, confiding in you, laughing with you, or sometimes not agreeing with you, even not being able to sit down and watch TV with you. You've been around my whole life, and now I have to see you off to be with God. I know you'll always be with me because of the values you've instilled with me. I love you Ma, and I know in my heart we will be together again.

I love you,

Chucky, Your Chucky.

From her granddaughter, Imani Hughes: Grandma, I absolutely adore you. I am so grateful to have had an amazing, loving grandmother like you. You were so gracious, generous, soft, intelligent. You made an impact on everyone you've known and loved. I have a lot of things I wish I could go back in time and change, but one thing that has always been certain and consistent is my love for you. I know you're at peace with Aunt Mona and the rest of your loved ones that preceded you in your transition, but your transition is going to be something that's going to take a while for us to be at peace with. Everything I do moving forward will be in your honor. I'm going to miss you so much, and remember all the moments of love we've shared. Rest well my angel, I love you.

Ms. Mary Hughes is survived by her son, Donald Lee Hughes Jr., granddaughter, Imani Hughes, daughter-in-law, Karen Hughes, and god-son, Rashade Langhorne. She is preceded in death by mother, Essie Walker, daughter, LeMoyne "Mona" Hughes, god-daughter, Sade Langhorne, and god-son, Preston Langhorne. Mary Hughes will be sincerely missed and remembered by a host of relatives and friends.

Her remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025 form 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 800 E. Grace Street. Interment Roselawn Memory Gardens.