May 11, 1927 ~ September 12, 2023 (age 96)
Marie Hughes, 96, joined her Lord and Savior when she passed peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.
Marie lived a long, full and beautiful life. Her priority was always her family to which she provided enduring love, care and nurture. She was an exceptionally strong, determined and sweet southern lady, who spent a good portion of her life caring for others.
Marie was born May 11, 1927, in Rocky Mount, but spent her youth in Plymouth. She was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Allison Owens Ayers and was preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret A. Midyette, Edna A. Givler, Virginia A. Spruill, Nick A. Swain and Carolyn A. Spruill; and brothers, Adrian Ayers, Carroll Ayers and Phillip Ayers.
Marie’s first husband, Edward Simpson Lewis, Navy Veteran, lost his life in a work-related accident at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Marie then married William Harold Hughes, who passed away in 2017. They resided together for 56 years in Whiteville. She was a great partner to her husband and together they enjoyed a wonderful life with the joy of raising a family.
Marie was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church, where during her life she sang in the choir, served on the altar guild and was involved in many other facets of church activities. She shared a great love for her family, friends, church and God. She has left us with a legacy of timeless memories and precious love.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Grace Episcopal Church, 105 S. Madison St., with the Rev. Lowe Davis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment service will be in Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home is serving the family.
She is survived by her loving family, sons, Edward Dean Lewis (Sharon) of Lake Waccamaw and Stuart Lee Lewis (Betsy) of Richfield; daughter, Jan Hughes Stewart (Gray) of Cary; granddaughters, Sara Lewis Steagall (Daniel) and Morgan Stewart; grandson, Mason Stewart; and beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank caretaker Sunnie Lowery for her compassion and care during the past five years and caretaker Beverly Whaley for her compassion and care the past year of Marie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 105 S. Madison St., Whiteville, N.C. 28472 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, N.C. 28472.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net
