Obituaries

Clara Donaldson Hughes

Clara Donaldson Hughes, wife of Andrew Hughes for 68 years, went to be with the Lord on January 28th, 2022. Clara loved the Lord, her church, her family, her many friends and her loving care givers, Cheryl, Grace and Kim.

Clara was born in Speedwell, North Carolina, but lived in Newport News most of her life. She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend to everyone she met. Even though Clara was hard of hearing, she never met a stranger. She never hesitated to talk even when she could not “hear” who she was talking to. If a new neighbor moved in, she was always there with a batch of goodies.  She loved to sit out in the garage when the weather was nice and talk to everyone that passed by. Clara was a constant volunteer at her children’s school, supported the Republican party, and was  active in her Sunday School class until she could not physically be there.  Her husband of 68 years, Andy, was always by her side until her very last breath.

She was preceded in death by her 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Clara is survived by her daughter Kay Hughes of Massachusetts, Beverly Hughes and her partner Anthony Abate of Atlanta, Georgia, grandchildren, Ashlyn and Gavin Halder, sisters Mary Wines, Jessie Owen and Helen Donaldson of North Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, February 3rd at 12:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601. She will be laid to rest at Peninsula Memorial Park.

11 Comments

  1. Sally Seltzer

    Dear Beverly and Mr. Hughes,

    We are so very sad to learn of Clara’s passing. Her warmth and welcoming charm will be missed by the many people she touched along the way. Please know we are thinking of you both at this difficult time.

    Sally and Steve Seltzer

  2. Lori Tilt Koepka

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for God to offer comfort at this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  3. Paige Lilley

    What a joy Clara was to visit with when I would stop by to see her and Andy. I was blessed each time I went by.
    Andy and their daughters will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
    “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2Corinthians 5:8

  4. Jacqueline Ford

    Please accept my deepest condolences Kay and the Family over the loss of your Mom. Keeping you in my prayer thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.
    “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2Corinthians 5:8

  5. Madeline McMillan

    Andy, John and I were very saddened to receive the news of Clara’s passing. May the Lord comfort you during these difficult days. Our hearts and our prayers are with you.

  6. Jay and Cathy Nicholson

    We are so sorry to hear that Ms. Clara died. She was always very friendly whenever we saw her in the neighborhood. We will miss her . God rest her gentle soul.

  7. Lou Ladson

    Clara was a dearly loved member of our Agape II Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. She was such a dedicated Christian, always so kind, so loving, and so generous in doing for others. We send our love and our sympathy to Andy and the entire family at this time of loss May God comfort each of you, shine his love upon you, and provide you with the inner strength needed during this difficult time.

  8. Debbie & Charles Hughes

    So sorry to hear the news. I worked with her husband at Hofheimers and met Clara several times. My husband is related to her husband.

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