On a beautiful Thanksgiving morning November 23rd 2023, Bro. Hughes was walking through God's beautiful garden, looking at all the beautiful roses, God enter the garden and said to his servant what are you gazing at Bro. Hughes stated, the beautiful roses, God said, yes, They are beautiful Bro Hughes said you know I left a beautiful rose 4 years ago on Earth. God's smile, then God said to Brother Hughes, are you going to be in the garden a while, Bro. Hughes said yes. God said, okay.

I shall return, you stay right here. As God ease out of the garden, He ease on down to Baldwyn Nursing Facility, Ease into room D-11 @ 9:37 a.m. and took his beautiful little rose. When He returned to the garden Bro Hughes was still gazing at the roses, God said, thou good and faithful servant, here is your rose that you left 4 years ago on earth. I could only imagine, what a joy and a smile appeared on his face, there to stay forever. Mother Mary Bell Hughes was the oldest child of the late Jake and Katherine Washington. Born in Ethel, MS on October 11th 1931. She attended Ethel Public School System.

She was employed at the Attala County Nursing Home for over 30 years, (She trained several Employees), and Winters Funeral Home, and she was always doing extra job duties around Kosciusko, (Busy as a Bee).

She united in marriage to the late Melvin Hughes, Jr. they were married for 75 years. To this union 7 children was born, proceeded her in death, (John). She was a faithful member of the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church since her childhood. She served faithfully, until her health began to fail. She served on several committees, such as Pastor Parish President. ethel/Buffalo Charge, Class Leader, Home Mission, Communion Steward, Church Secretary. She was an advocate for the Lord, Faithful to her pastor and her church. Always on duty for the Lord. (She was a marathoner). She loved to cook, work around her home, willing to help those in the community, famous for her sweet potato cobbler, blackberry cobbler, coconut cake, and many more delicious foods. She was known to be very outspoken (smile), to all that came to visit her on Sunday evening, especially after dinner knew she loved her gospel videos, especially the late Lee Williams.

She leaves her legacy and her precious memories to Her devoted daughters: Teresa (Kenneth), Lavelle (Ronald), Louise (Eddie), 3 Sons: Willie, David, and Rev. Michael Hughes, 1 Daughter-in-law: Mrs. Emma Hughes (Milwaukee, WI), 1 Sister: Mrs. Katherine Applewhite (Clarksdale, MS), 1 Brother-in-law: King David Hughes (Ethel, MS). A host of grandchildren & great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and her church family. A very good friend Mrs. Jackie Johnson at Winters Funeral Home.

PLACE OF SERVICE: Mt. Lebanon U.M. Church, Ethel, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: SATURDAY 12/02/2023 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: White Cemetery, McCool, MS

VIEWING: Friday 12/01/2023 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.