Merlene Hughes

Addie Merlene Locke Hughes, age 86, of McCaysville passed away August 29, 2022 at her home.

Merlene was born January 26, 1936, in Polk County to the late Frances Marion Locke and Dora Mae Payne.

She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Merlene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Hughes; great-grandson, Teigan Michael Hughes; son-in-law, Donnie Nicholson; and twelve siblings.

Merlene is survived by her sons, Russell (Kathy) Hughes of McCaysville, and Alton Hughes of McCaysville; daughters, Lorie (Gary) Bearden of Blue Ridge, and Stephanie Nicholson of Blue Ridge; as well as eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Friday, September 2, 2022, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel at Akins-Cobb with the Rev. Grayson Jones and the Rev. Adam Hughes officiating. Music was provided by Cody and Tamara Payne.

Interment followed in the Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers, James Hughes, Zack Nicholson, Cole White, Adam Hughes, Grayson Jones, Blake Hughes, and Bryson Hughes. Wayne Stiles Jr., served as an honorary pallbearer.

The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.