Margaret Rhea Hughes

Margaret Rhea Hughes (née Hensley), 70, of Bybee, Tennessee went home to her heavenly Father on Thursday morning, July 21, 2011. Born in Del Rio on June 3, 1941 to Leslie and Zora Hensley (née Black), Margaret graduated from Cocke County High School with the Class of 1959, worked for South Central Bell and General Electric, but was primarily a homemaker, beloved mother, and treasured wife. She is survived by her dearly loved husband of almost 44 years, Gary A. Hughes. Margaret and Gary resided in Rockford, Illinois from 1967 to 1978, and in the Memphis area from 1978 to 2000, before retiring to Bybee, Tennessee. Margaret and surviving husband Gary have been blessings to those fortunate enough to meet them. They often "gave" each other Christmas gifts of groceries which they delivered to needy families, and bought bicycles for Newport Fire Department's Toys for Tots each December. They taught their children the importance of persistence, inner-strength, and confidence through both their words and deeds. Precious parents and genuine champions of life-long learning, Margaret and husband Gary created a nurturing home where education was revered as an enjoyable privilege, a valuable investment, and a passionate mission. They both provided a home filled with genuine affection, home-cooked food, good books, and family values. Left to mourn her passing are two children, daughter Dr. Cindy Vassar and son-in-law Rick Vassar, and son Allen Hughes. Her favorite grandchild, James Dylan Walker of Newport, was a 2009 CCHS honor graduate, Tennessee Scholar, and Quinn Scholar at ETSU. Margaret is predeceased by her brother Leslie "Buck" Hensley of Newport, sister Grace Jean Rice of Bybee, and brother-in- law Gene Rice of Bybee. She is survived by brothers Mike Hensley of Newport, David Hensley of Newport, Gary and Joyce Hensley of Galax, Virginia, sister Kim Jones of Newport, and brother Brian and Betty Hensley of Newport. Margaret is also survived by many special nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Margaret requested a "Celebration of Life" --- including funny stories and laughter and memories. Rick Hollifield will officiate. Friends and family are invited to this memorial on Saturday, July 30th at 4 p.m. at Bruner's Grove United Methodist Church in Bybee, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be forwarded to Newport Animal Shelter, 420 Humane Way, Newport, Tennessee 37821. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands'. II Corinthians 5:1 Family and friends may sign on-line at:www.manesfuneralhome.com

Margaret Rhea Hughes

June 3, 1941 - July 21, 2011