VIEWING: Friday, September 20, 2024 Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Saturday, September 21, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM, Roanoke Chapel Christian Church, 3300 Paschall Road, Boydton, VA 23917/ Rev. Curtis McRae, Pastor & Presiding/ Rev. Mack Talley, Eulogist

INTERMENT: Church Cemetery, Paschall Road, Boydton, VA

Obituary: A Life Well Lived

On Friday, September 13, 2024, Mrs. Delores Hughes, received her wings and joined the angels. She was 87 years old and lived a life full of love, service, and joy. Delores was a loving wife, and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend. Always there to offer wisdom, support, and love, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.

Born on June 6, 1937 in Mecklenburg County, VA, Delores was the only daughter among five children. She was baptized at an early age at Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Spring, VA. Following her education in Mecklenburg County schools, she moved to Richmond to begin her adult life. She shared an apartment with her future sister-in-law, Mattie before moving to New Jersey, where she married and started a family. Delores became a dedicated member of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church where she worshiped for many years before moving to Teaneck and joining First Baptist Church.

After 20 years of employment with Tension Envelope Corporation, Delores retired and returned home to Virginia. She became an active member of Roanoke church, serving on the Missionary Board and running the kitchen for many years. She was a dedicated and faithful worker at her church until her health no longer permitted her to serve. Delores had a deep love for gospel music and she often attended concerts by artists such as Doc McKenzie and Lee Williams.

Delores enjoyed baking, sewing, and gardening. Baking was one of Delores’ greatest passions. Her delicious cakes and pies were enjoyed by the entire community and many can attest to her ability to make every occasion special with her sweet treats, especially her hummingbird cake. Delores was also an exceptional seamstress. She made many of her own clothes as well as custom outfits for special occasions such as proms, weddings and other celebrations. In addition to her baking talents, Delores made good use of the bountiful crops from the garden, canning vegetables, making jellies, pickles, and more.

Above all, Delores was devoted to her family. She spent most of her time loving on them. Widowed at a young age, Delores devoted her life to raising her children on her own. She adored all seven of her grandchildren and supported them in all their endeavors, attending sporting events, concerts, and recitals, beaming with pride at every opportunity. She was most proud of the fact that she attended every single one of their high school and college graduation ceremonies.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents Agnes Rebecca Hendrick (nee Alexander) and Peter William Hendrick, her husband Reuben Perry Martin, and her brothers and sisters-in-law Donald Alexander, Hubert Hendrick (Dorothy), Garland Otis Hendrick (Helen).

She is survived by her husband, Wilber Tee Hughes of Palmer Spring, Va; her children Bruce Kirkland Hendrick and Annie Darlene Martin Johnson (George) of Palmer Spring, Va, Warren Martin (Diane), Carolyn Hayer (James), and Reuben Martin (Nicolle), all of NJ; grandchildren George “BJ” Johnson, Jr. of Va, Dana Johnson of NC, Jaime Bohannon (Robert) of MD, Christopher Hayer, Jeremy Hayer, Bryce Martin (Danielle),and Brandon Martin, all of NJ; her great-granddaughters Callie and Aniyah; her step-children Troy _______ of NY; and her brother Reginald Hendrick (Mattie) of Richmond, VA.

In addition, Delores will be lovingly remembered by and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.