1930
Josephine
2016
Josephine Brooks Hughes
May 31, 1930 — February 15, 2016
Josephine Lois Brooks Hughes, of Laurinburg, NC, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016, at Scotia Village at the age of 85.
Jo was born in Raleigh, NC, on May 31, 1930, to the late Broadus Garland Brooks and Alma Hall Brooks. She was the youngest of two children.
Jo graduated from Woman's College (now UNC – Greensboro) in 1951 with a degree in Recreation. In 1950, she met Herald H. Hughes Jr. while serving as a summer Youth Director at First Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC. Actually, her future mother in law, Kathleen Compere Hughes, met her first while scouting for a church for her son to attend upon his college graduation and first job in Greensboro! Following her graduation, Jo married Herald on July 7, 1951 and began their life together of nearly 64 years that ended with Herald's death in July 2015.
Their early married life began in Greensboro, NC. After brief moves to Frankfurt, KY and Knoxville, TN, they spent 24 years building their lives together in Orlando, Fl – where they had their 4 wonderful children. Jo devoted most of her life as a volunteer with many worthwhile organizations in an effort to engage with persons willing to make a difference. First and foremost, she put her family and faithful discipleship as her main focus. She offered her gifts of hospitality, willingness to serve in a variety of capacities including teaching college and career Sunday School, leading and participating in many bible studies and mission opportunities, and sharing her beautiful alto voice through choir. She lived out her faith every day through every relationship and instilled in her children that our faith must inform every decision and every action. She tirelessly served as the family chauffer and spent countless hours behind the wheel of a nine passenger station wagon making sure her children were at every church, scout, school and community activity possible.
In addition to her church, Jo was a dedicated member of Rotary Ann, Garden Club, book clubs, Republican women and tennis groups. As a result of her youngest child being diagnosed with developmental issues, Jo was an instrumental leader in the Florida Association of Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD) through organizing workshops as well as advocating in the state legislature and teachers association. Through these efforts, landmark legislation was passed at the national level in 1969 and 1973 that began the pathway for every child with special needs to receive the appropriate education for their unique abilities.
With two children in college and two at home, 1976 brought career changes that transferred the family to the greater Detroit, MI area. In Michigan, just as in Florida, they put down roots and became very involved in their children's lives, their church and their community.
They found a church home & community at Ward Presbyterian. She continued sharing her gifts by being a faithful choir member, participating in Women's events and Bible Studies, and a couples' group with Herald for many years. She was always serving wherever there was an opportunity to help others and give back. Living near Ann Arbor, there were many chances to see Michigan football with Herald, family and friends which they so enjoyed. Jo worked various jobs over the years before their retirement providing administrative support in 2 churches and Leidal and Hart Contractors in Livonia. Upon Herald's retirement in 1993, they came back south to North Carolina – first to Charlotte area and finally to Laurinburg. During each of these life stages, Jo was able to be actively involved in the lives of each of her children and grandchildren. Even in her final years, she was able to embrace oldest great grandchildren. Even with only a season of time with each family, it brought her and them immense joy as they shared their lives with their wonderful and sweet "Mimi".
Jo is survived by her children, and grandchildren – Herald H Hughes, III "Bear" (wife, Becca, and children Rachel and Walt); Kathleen Hughes Kilbourne (husband, Ed, and children Brooke Saunders Harris (BJ), Jenny Kilbourne, Amanda Kilbourne Richardson (Jack); Marijo Hughes Swanson (husband, Steve, and children Justin and Ryan) and Heather Ann Hughes. Jo is also survived by her 4 precious great-grandchildren, - Bradley and Breah Harris, Allison and Ethan Reese, as well as her loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Jo is preceded in death by her older sister, Sybil Brooks Rhodes.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 am. at the Morris Morgan Entertainment Center at Scotia Village. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service. - Arrangements are being handled by McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.
The family reminds everyone that Jo Hughes loved purple and suggests that wearing something purple to her service would be a thoughtful tribute to Jo's memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Scotia Village Foundation (2200 Elm Avenue Laurinburg, NC 28352), First United Methodist Church (101 W. Church Street Laurinburg, NC), or the charity of your choice.
Read Josephine Hughes's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdougald.com.
Jo was born in Raleigh, NC, on May 31, 1930, to the late Broadus Garland Brooks and Alma Hall Brooks. She was the youngest of two children.
Jo graduated from Woman's College (now UNC – Greensboro) in 1951 with a degree in Recreation. In 1950, she met Herald H. Hughes Jr. while serving as a summer Youth Director at First Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC. Actually, her future mother in law, Kathleen Compere Hughes, met her first while scouting for a church for her son to attend upon his college graduation and first job in Greensboro! Following her graduation, Jo married Herald on July 7, 1951 and began their life together of nearly 64 years that ended with Herald's death in July 2015.
Their early married life began in Greensboro, NC. After brief moves to Frankfurt, KY and Knoxville, TN, they spent 24 years building their lives together in Orlando, Fl – where they had their 4 wonderful children. Jo devoted most of her life as a volunteer with many worthwhile organizations in an effort to engage with persons willing to make a difference. First and foremost, she put her family and faithful discipleship as her main focus. She offered her gifts of hospitality, willingness to serve in a variety of capacities including teaching college and career Sunday School, leading and participating in many bible studies and mission opportunities, and sharing her beautiful alto voice through choir. She lived out her faith every day through every relationship and instilled in her children that our faith must inform every decision and every action. She tirelessly served as the family chauffer and spent countless hours behind the wheel of a nine passenger station wagon making sure her children were at every church, scout, school and community activity possible.
In addition to her church, Jo was a dedicated member of Rotary Ann, Garden Club, book clubs, Republican women and tennis groups. As a result of her youngest child being diagnosed with developmental issues, Jo was an instrumental leader in the Florida Association of Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD) through organizing workshops as well as advocating in the state legislature and teachers association. Through these efforts, landmark legislation was passed at the national level in 1969 and 1973 that began the pathway for every child with special needs to receive the appropriate education for their unique abilities.
With two children in college and two at home, 1976 brought career changes that transferred the family to the greater Detroit, MI area. In Michigan, just as in Florida, they put down roots and became very involved in their children's lives, their church and their community.
They found a church home & community at Ward Presbyterian. She continued sharing her gifts by being a faithful choir member, participating in Women's events and Bible Studies, and a couples' group with Herald for many years. She was always serving wherever there was an opportunity to help others and give back. Living near Ann Arbor, there were many chances to see Michigan football with Herald, family and friends which they so enjoyed. Jo worked various jobs over the years before their retirement providing administrative support in 2 churches and Leidal and Hart Contractors in Livonia. Upon Herald's retirement in 1993, they came back south to North Carolina – first to Charlotte area and finally to Laurinburg. During each of these life stages, Jo was able to be actively involved in the lives of each of her children and grandchildren. Even in her final years, she was able to embrace oldest great grandchildren. Even with only a season of time with each family, it brought her and them immense joy as they shared their lives with their wonderful and sweet "Mimi".
Jo is survived by her children, and grandchildren – Herald H Hughes, III "Bear" (wife, Becca, and children Rachel and Walt); Kathleen Hughes Kilbourne (husband, Ed, and children Brooke Saunders Harris (BJ), Jenny Kilbourne, Amanda Kilbourne Richardson (Jack); Marijo Hughes Swanson (husband, Steve, and children Justin and Ryan) and Heather Ann Hughes. Jo is also survived by her 4 precious great-grandchildren, - Bradley and Breah Harris, Allison and Ethan Reese, as well as her loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Jo is preceded in death by her older sister, Sybil Brooks Rhodes.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 am. at the Morris Morgan Entertainment Center at Scotia Village. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service. - Arrangements are being handled by McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.
The family reminds everyone that Jo Hughes loved purple and suggests that wearing something purple to her service would be a thoughtful tribute to Jo's memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Scotia Village Foundation (2200 Elm Avenue Laurinburg, NC 28352), First United Methodist Church (101 W. Church Street Laurinburg, NC), or the charity of your choice.
Read Josephine Hughes's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdougald.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Josephine Brooks Hughes, please visit our flower store.