Rebecca C. Hughes
June 17, 1930 - January 25, 2020

To the marriage of the late Roy and Zana Smith came Roy Smith Jr. (deceased) and 2 years later on June 17, 1930 came Rebecca Clara. From that day forward you knew who was "large" and in charge - "Sister" as they all called her.

Rebecca (Becky) as she was called by all, was a gifted and intelligent lady. Always an "A" student in her studies, Homecoming Queen twice and valedictorian of her graduating class at Douglass High School . She graduated honors from Tucker Business College in Saint Louis. ( Later her 3 children informed her they did a whole lot of extra praying before she reviewed their homework.)

In 1949 she married best friend Lewis Hughes. During their 53 year marriage they always said "We met and fell in love playing in the sandbox" when he was 4 and she was 2 years old as their parents were best friends as well. They raised and trained up 3 children. Becky only started her career as librarian at School #43 after they were all in school.

Together Lewis and Becky loved music as he was a world class musician and band leader playing on the "Avenue" in the 50's and 60's. In the 70's his music took a dramatic turn by accepting the calling of Minister of Music for Light of the World Christian Church in which they served faithfully since 1952. They both started the Children's Choir and expanded the Youth Choir for many years. They both served Deacon and Deaconess until his higher calling came in 2002.

Music in the home produced his band called "The Musical Hughes Family" . Becky served as their manager handling all of the paperwork and bookings involved with that. She also held a prestigious position as the master of her instrument - the cow bell. She was the highlight of the bands closing number. She kept her beat and only shook with stage fright AFTER the show.

After all the birds left the nest and retirement kicked in - they cut loose. Their children threw up their hands in surrender. Becky and Lewis were up at dawn, running about town before 9 in the morning, holding hands in public, not touching base with them during the day and waltzing in the door when they felt like it. The final straw that broke the camel's back came in the form of a motorhome they purchased without the children's permission. They had turned into rebels at this point. Their traveling bone took over and their rebel yell was "We ain't got nothin' but time and EVERY day is Sunday". Their children let them believe t they had no clue how to track them but Mom and Dad had forgotten that they left a clear path for them to follow. They could follow their path to God, Church, Service and Friends. Besides, they knew that their favorite hangout was Light of the World.

Becky has now received her higher calling and has joined her beloved husband, mother, father and brother. The day she received her call her beloved great grandson Donovan was called as well. They both left us on January 25, 2020 only minutes apart with Becky grabbing his hand saying "Come on over here with me Donovan. Great Grandma's got you" . She always told him that whenever her big golden retriever "Kelly" would get to frisky with him when he was a toddler. Then she would pull him close and kiss the top of his head. They shared a special love as he was her first Great Grandchild.

Left to cherish the Hughes legacy are their 3 children - Roland, Donna Wilson (Stevie), Zana Tinker (Jessie), 9 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and Donovan's child - their first Great-Great Grandson, many loving cousins, extended family, church family and friends.

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