ESTHER HUGHES

Esther Marie Atkins Hughes was born on November 6,1942 in Bryan, Texas. She was the first of three children born to Joe and Annie Atkins. The family later moved to Dallas, Texas.

Esther accepted Christ early in life. She was an excellent student at H.S. Thompson Elementary School and Lincoln High School where she graduated with honors in 1961. Her passion for social justice led her to become a member of the N.A.A.C.P. Youth Council under the mentorship of Ms. Juanita Craft.

In 1962 she married her high school sweetheart, Herbert R. Hughes, Sr. To this unio three children were born: Herbert R. Hughes, Jr., Sherry Hughes Crump, and Corey W. Hughes. Esther was both kind and generous, but firm and outspoken when necessary. She gave of herself endlessly as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend. She loved family gatherings, planning class reunions, watching the Cowboys, debating current issues, and spending time with her only granddaughter, Zaria, who was her pride and joy.

Esther pursued every opportunity for professional growth. She was a valued employee of the Bank of America where she worked in banking services for 37 years. She was a caring professional who was highly respected, well thought of and loved by many. As a supervisor and mentor to many employees over the years, she was willing to help others whenever and wherever she could.

Esther united with the Calvary Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in 2018. Her spiritual growth and serving others brought her great joy. She faithfully attended and supported her church. Esther was a committed care giver for her mother and her sister, Mary Ann. She often assisted with her mother- in -law and many other elderly neighbors who needed her assistance. She indeed lived the commandment noted in John 15:12 "Love each other just as I have loved you."

In the early morning hours on November 1, 2021, she quietly slipped away to go home to be with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her memory: one sister, Jonelle Bluitt; one son, Herbert R. Hughes, Jr.; one daughter, Sherry Hughes Crump, one granddaughter, Zaria Crump; one brother, Vern Sharp; two sister- in- laws, Ollie Ferrell, and Deborah Kilgore; three brother-in-laws, Dwight McCullough (Flora), Dr. Victor McCullough (Nancy) and Otis Ravenell (Sharon); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

She was preceded in death by her special friend, Ralph Voss, parents, Joe and Annie Atkins; her youngest son, Corey W. Hughes, and her sister, Mary Ann Ravenell.

Esther meant so much to so many people. She was loved, and she will be missed.