Lucy Hughes - Obituary

ucy Ann Wood Hughes (Mom, Grandma,” GiGi”, Aunt Lucy, “Plunk” or Miss Lucy) was born on February 13, 1914. She was the second of seven children born in Nelson County, Virginia to Stewart and Fannie Broady Wood. She was predeceased by brothers, Dandrich and Wilson Wood, and sisters Beatrice Wood, Genevieve Wood Butler, Celestine Wood Childress, and Emma Jean Wood Porter. She was joined in marriage to Alonzo Hughes, Jr. on September 30, 1934 and from this union two daughters, Mignon Norreszelle and Maxine Ann were born. Her aspirations to be a teacher were not to be realized. The death of her mother, while she was attending Garnett Patterson High School in Washington, D.C., cut short her formal education. Nonetheless, she was an avid reader with a keen mind and as a result of her extensive readings and travel, she became highly self educated. She could discuss any subject with anyone at anytime. She would get really energized by a lively debate. While she was not able to pursue her dream, she made many sacrifices to assure that her daughters were provided the best education possible (Maxine from St. Francis de Sales High School in Rock Castle, Virginia and both daughters graduated from Hampton University in Virginia). She was filled with compassion and interest in others and made friends easily. She maintained those friendships throughout her life. She was a doting mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her conversion to Catholicism in the early 1950’s, was a defining moment in her life. Her faith in the Lord and His Blessed Mother gave her the strength to overcome many trials and tribulations. The template for her life was formed by one of her favorite prayers: Faithful God, My life is shaped by my family. It is in the context of these relationships That I grow, I learn, I fail, and I heal. Assist me with your wisdom That I may fulfill my responsibilities With the people with whom I share life. Allow me to listen, to guide, To share and forgive Give me the grace to submit my own will To the good of our common life Despite all of the pain and challenges that family provides, Let me see these relationships as a blessing and, As your indispensible gift. Amen She took the responsibility of being that keeper of God’s gifts very seriously and never hesitated to come to the aid of any and all who called on her for guidance or help. She let her life do the singing, literally and figuratively. One of her passions and joys of her life was music. She had a professional quality coloratura soprano voice but limited her singing to local events and her church choirs. Another passion was gardening. Up until she was about 85, she loved working in her garden. A few years prior to relocating to Maryland, she won a Blue Ribbon at the State Fair in Virginia for the tallest corn stalk. She leaves to cherish her memory: devoted daughters Mignon Atkins and Maxine Barron; grandchildren, Bianca Atkins and Keith Barron (Anissa); great grandchildren, Antonio and Dwayne Atkins and Sydney and Luke Barron; George Thompson (Mignon’s long time friend); and 16 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews, 20 great-great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Lucy's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744 from 10 am until a Memorial Mass at 11 am. Interment private.