October 8, 1941 — September 10, 2023
Emily Ann Hughes Smith, 81, of Bladenboro, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hollan and Alma Bowen Hughes.
Emily leaves behind her husband of 34 years, Robert “Bobby” Smith, of the home; son; Mark Owens and wife Laura of Arnold, MD; daughters: Renae Taylor and husband Roger of Lumberton, Amanda Anderson and husband Steve of Bladenboro, Leigh Deaver and husband Pete of Bladenboro, Kimberly Chafin and husband Keith of Hartsville, SC; brothers: Mitchell Hughes and wife Patsy of Bladenboro, Harold Hughes and wife Erma of Lumberton; sisters: Helen Petrucelli of Fayetteville, Nancy Sykes of Lumberton, Mary Eliason and husband Richard of Burlington; grandchildren: Lexi Turner and husband Rashawn, Chris Owens and wife Anna, Cory Hester and wife Leann, Jordan Hester, Nicholas Peavy, Owen Peavy and wife Tyler, Kassidy Leonard and husband Chris, Noah and Eric Deaver, Scott Anderson and wife Tiffany, Kinsley and Kullen Chafin; great-grandchildren: Hollyn Hester, Riley Hester, Ella Grace and Hudson Leonard, Emmie and Alex Peavy, Helena and Kylie Owens.
Emily was known for her strong work ethic, and made many sacrifices for her family. She spent several years as a single Mom, working three jobs to support her four young children. She met and married Bobby a little later in life, she was a loving wife and Stepmom to his daughter. Emily loved life, she loved her friends and her church, but more than anything she loved her family. The grandkids and great grandkids could do no wrong in her eyes.
Emily was proud of her heritage. She was raised by Godly parents, both were ministers and she sacrificed once again to care for them as their health failed. She loved her siblings. She and her sisters would often spend time together, they were best friends. They took an annual trip to the mountains until the time her health prevented it. The golden girls have a void now.
Emily was an excellent cook. She would make the best little layer chocolate cakes and would often make dozens of them for sharing over the holidays. She prepared Sunday dinner for her family every week until she became physically unable. She was famous for her homemade biscuits and she took pride in serving others. You couldn’t visit her without partaking in a meal, that was what made her happy. Emily had a beautiful voice, she sang in the church choir and with her girls, using her talent to bless others and share the love of God. She was often considered the life of the party, with her contagious smile and ability to be funny without even trying. She was loved by all who knew her. As a living example of the joy of Christ, her greatest wish was to see all her family born again, ready to meet the Lord. Emily made it her life’s mission to be the best wife and Mother in the world, she succeeded.
The family will receive friends from 1:45pm – 2:45pm on Tuesday, September 12th at New Light Church. Service following at 3pm with Reverend Cory Hester and Reverend Dale Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis Cemetery in Bladenboro.
