Hazel Barnett Hughes

Our beloved Mother, Hazel Barnett Hughes, went home to meet her Lord on October 10, 2024. Blessedly, she passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours, befitting of a woman so fully devoted to Christ. 

Predeceased were her beloved husband of 71 years William W Hughes, Sr (Billy,) son William W Hughes, Jr (Wes,) her dearest friend and companion, Willie Mae Stroble, her great granddaughter Shannon Bowden, as well as her parents Ozie and Dallas Barnett, and siblings Mabel Logue (Julian) and James Barnett. One of the most sorrowful events of her life was the loss of her nephew Stan Logue on New Year’s Eve 2021. His passing was so fast and unexpected she was devastated, as she would quickly tell you that he was as much a son as any she birthed. She loved telling hilarious stories of him and his antics as a child. Along with the family and so many of her dearest friends waiting in the wings, one can scarcely imagine the joyous reunion awaiting her: so many of her dearest waiting for her with open arms and overwhelming love. She leaves behind a son Dallas and two daughters, Kay of N Myrtle Beach, SC, Patricia Adams (Pat) and a daughter-in-law Niki, her grandchildren Yvette Renfroe and Richard Adams of Albany and Lauren Underwood of Lubbock TX. Additionally two beloved great granddaughters: Paige Cunningham (Ryan) of Canton GA and Brandi Massey (Mark) of Dawson GA. Also many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. One grand nephew, Miles, knew her as Aunt Diesel (at three years old that sounds close enough to Hazel and she thought it was precious. Another, Grayson, called her Aunt Sugar.) She wanted to adopt Jerry King, but with his own wife, children, and grandchildren it wasn’t possible. She loved him dearly.

Everyone that came into contact with her was Shugah. Her unique pronunciation of sugar will never be forgotten nor reproduced regardless of our attempts. Her word is, in fact, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of her with most who were blessed with her affection.

There are no adequate adjectives to describe her but everyone would agree she was uniquely radiant. Effervescent is adequate as well for her bubbly, lively personality and she never once met a stranger. She shone brighter than every color in the world.

Born in Cairo GA, and raised mostly in Baker County, she graduated from Albany High School where she fell in love with a fellow cornet player whose first words to her were “you hit a wrong note” after a particular song. Perhaps being a ladies’ man meant something different then. She most likely would have looked at him with sparkling eyes and said “shugah, you play your horn and I’ll play mine.” Their’s was a match made in heaven. Together they founded Albany Printing Company in 1963.

Her highest priority was her relationship with the Lord. She was a true Prayer Warrior and spent many, many hours with God and her Bible. Her kindness and generosity were an example followed by many. While the family mourns deeply, the knowledge that she is finally with the Lord and her loved ones offers a degree of comfort.

Those who loved her are too numerous to mention individually, but it must be noted that Elaine McGowan, Annlies and Cary Cato, Alison Jackson and Sheila Doward were unbelievably loving and helpful during her final months. They were (and are) family to us.

We cannot be grateful enough to all the EMT’s who came to our rescue so many times for both our Father and our Mother over the last four years.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Joseph Jones for his tender care.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Crown Hill Cemetery with Joseph W. Jones officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home. 

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home was given the honor to serve the Hughes family.