Constance Lee Smith Hughes, 76, of Harrisburg, peacefully transitioned into eternal life on Friday, January 14, 2022 in the peace and love of her home. She was born in Harrisburg, daughter of the late John D. “Pete” and Mary Virginia (Adams) Smith, a 1968 graduate of Harrisburg Hospital Nursing School along with her lifelong friend and fellow nursing student roommate, Joanne (Robinson) Overton who were the first African-American graduates of the school, retired from Capitol Blue Cross in 2007and a member of the Edgemont Congregation of Jehohovah Witness. Constance loved serving Jehovah and teaching others about the Bible. After retiring, she enjoyed both being a Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer and taking vacations with her family. She had a hope of everlasting life on a new earth following her passing. Connie, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, also enjoyed decorating her home with flowers, the laughter of friends and pictures of humming birds; even having a hummingbird clock in her kitchen. She was a gifted baker of sweet potato pies, peanut butter fudge and Hawaiian wedding cake. Her famous dinner dishes included salmon cakes with fried apples, chili with fresh veggies and blueberry muffins and lasagna. She was an avid gardener and had a flare for shopping for nice clothes and heels to compliment her 4’10” petite frame. Her smile was infectious to everyone around her and she made everyone feel as if they mattered. Constance is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Edward Ray Hughes; her two daughters, Michelle Lynette Hughes of Ashburn, VA and Giovanna Iesha Hughes of Chantilly, VA; her grandchildren, Andeulazia C. Hughes-Murdock and Carl-Stephan Marcelin, Jr.; her siblings: John D “Dinky” Smith, Jr. of Harrisburg, Rhone´ Hunter Rice of Carlisle, Michael Hunter, Rickey Smith and his wife, Lorrie Smith, Marilyn Smith, all of Harrisburg, Barbara Frye and Terri Smith; her aunts and uncles, Paula Smith Lawing Mills and Charles “Lonnie” Smith, both of Harrisburg; Leonard Smith and Edgar “Joe” Smith; her nieces and nephews, Kali Jackson (daughter of John D. Smith, Jr.), cousin/niece, Toni Smith (daughter of Scray Smith) and Louise Smith Hunter (Michael Hunter), Anthony Rice and Stephanie Rice of Rhone´ Hunter Rice and from Rickey Smith: Lashanna Smith, Dwan Smith, Rickey Garcia Smith, Angelina Garcia Smith, Jamiha Smith and Zina Bass; the Hughes’ Family: her sisters and brothers-in-law: Errie Taylor of Harrisburg, Allia Montgomery of Cleveland, NC; Meacie and Richard Fairfax of Harrisburg and Dorothy and John Davis of Bowie, MD; her Hughes’ nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, extended family and friends. Constance will be missed, but her smile, laugh and kindness will live on forever in our hearts. Her life will be celebrated on Friday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Major H.Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton. Live Streaming of the service will be available on Major H. Winfield Funeral Home’s YouTube page. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks for all attendees. www.majorhwinfieldfuneralhome.com
Connie was a star in my life . We spent many times at work ( Capital Blue Cross) laughing, inspiration life journeys and positive thoughts on the wrong and right. I will never forget our talks but that smile was amazing! You are missed but never forgotten Linda P
To the family of Constance Hughes, sending sincere sympathy, have all of you in my heart and prayers. Connie and I shared so many wonderful times together,I worked under her at harrisburg hospital. Our children grew up together and shared a lot of happy times together. Connie was a friend that showed love at all times. Stated at Proverbs 17:17. I look forward to see her in paradise.
Shelia Scott Sullivan
My prayers and condolences for the family.
Our dear sister is at peace and will be greatly missed. Family please remember Connie's love for Jehovah God, know that he will bring her back to us in perfect health and in true peace and happiness. Until that time remember the beautiful poems that Connie wrote about Jehovah remember the love that she's always shared with everyone about him. May that bring comfort to your hearts during this difficult time. Our love is with you always, the Baskerville family
Our dear sister is at peace and will be greatly missed. Family please remember Connie's love for Jehovah God, know that he will bring her back to us in perfect health and in true peace and happiness. Until that time remember the beautiful poems that Connie wrote about Jehovah remember the love that she's always shared with everyone about him. May that bring comfort to your hearts during this difficult time. Our love is with you always, the Baskerville family
Mr. Hughes, Michelle and Gigi. I was shockingly sadden coming across the obituary of your sweet wife and mother. Michelle I just looked at a picture of you and Gigi this week while going through old boxes. Your mom was truly a good spirit. I always admired her sweet disposition. She always made sure you girls made it dance classes. I have forever had memories of your family and thought of you often. My heart felt sympathy goes out to you this day. Many Blessing of comfort to you all. She will be missed. Ms.Torounie Stackfield
Mr. Hughes, l am so sorry for your loss. Sister Constance was a close friend and we had many enjoyable times together. She made preaching the Good News her major focus in life to help others to learn Bible Truths. I will miss you my dear Sister. Mr Hughes you did an excellent job caring for your wife. Psalms 37:10-11. Isaiah 33:24. Gail Price
I'd be remiss to not include an important truth about my friend. The dancin' n running around we did was before she committed to Jehovah. She never looked back to old habits once she fell in love with Jehovah. She was most certainly devout in her faith. Thanks for the faithful example dear friend. Love n miss you always 💙
Brenda Cameron Glenn Oberlin PA
Eddie, the girls and grands, the siblings and extended family my heart and prayers are with you.
Gigi and Michelle, you were her heart! I remember going with your very proud mama to your dance programs and her sewing the 3 of you matching dresses. You actually modeled one of them in a fashion show at my church. Her heart expanded even more when your children were born.
Eddie, you are the true love of her life and as shown by the excellent care you took of her, she was yours too. Nothing could match her joy when you two remarried. Connie and I had a common challenge as well — keeping the dresser top neat. We shared strategies on keeping it neat and checked on each other for who lost the battle first.
I was excited in the mid-70's at Capital BlueCross to see that the new nurse in our dept. was Black! Connie the lefty, was so sweet and friendly we quickly became good friends along with Gail Allen Crosson. We were the 3 Amigas, dancin the night away when we went out! We shared an insatiable love for Hills popcorn. In the 80's I had taken a pic with an older man while in Mexico & something about his look tickled her so much!! We got in trouble once as Gale's favorites because I had the pic peeking over the partition between us and called Connie's name. She looked up and hollered!! Her laugh made me laugh until we both were cryin' laughing!!! We were SO loud Gale heard us and called us in the office. I cracked up laughing remembering this. I surprised her at her retirement party because by then we weren't in the same area. She was so happy to retire and to make her dream of driving a beautiful blue Camry come true.
My friend, I am so sorry you were ill for so long but the last time I saw you, you sure let me know Eddie is YOUR man when I said something you felt needed clarified!
I'll forever treasure our friendship and memories. Rest easy sweet spirit🙏🏾
Brenda Cameron Glenn
No more suffering Big Sis Love and Blessings. Your brother Michael.
My prayers and condolences are with Giovanni, Michelle and Mr. Hughes! I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and healing and may you all continue to have fond thoughts and memories of your mother and wife! Love you guys, Charles Lonnie Smith & Family ❤️
Our love and support to the family. Mrs. Hughes was and will always be considered a 'beacon' of compassionate love and hope to us. She was a 'caregiver and provider' to anyone and everyone. Tramar Murdock-Jennings and Garry Jennings
Cousins Eddie, Michelle and Gigi, and the rest of the Hughes family, sorry for you loss.
Cousin Connie was always so happy, I enjoyed many good times with you all.
Love you lots, Shirley Ima (Martin)
My condolences to the family. Whenever I'd call to speak with my longtime friend Gigi and Mrs. Hughes would answer, she'd say "Hughes' Residence". And when I announced myself we would have a brief conversation before Gigi picked up. She was always so genuine, positive and warm, both then and whenever I'd visit. I will remember her for the beautiful person she was and feel fortunate & blessed to have crossed paths with her many times over the years. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Hughes. - Bryant L. Francis, Family Friend
Sending prayers and condolences to the Hughes & Smith families.from Connie & Roberta
Mr Hughes l am so sorry for your loss. Constance was my Spiritual Sister. A very nice and giving person. She always enjoyed our Kingdom Melodies and talking to people about the Bible. We will meet again in Paradise Constance. God promises for a better future will be fulfilled. Psalms 37:9-11.
Condolences to the family
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