Florence Hughes

Ms. Florence Hughes, age 74, of Mobile, AL., passed on the early morning hours of Monday, November 8th, 2021. Florence was born in Braithwaite, LA, on November 5th, 1947, and moved to Mobile, AL, in December 1992 from New Orleans, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, James, and Mary Hughes; granddaughter, Jayla Lee-Williams; brothers, Herman Hughes, James Hughes Jr., Oscar Hughes, Sr., Freddie Hughes, and sister, Clara Hughes-States (husband, Jimmie). She dedicated 34 consecutive years of service to the Small Business Administration and U.S. Customs & Border Protection. She was a well-respected and dedicated government civilian employee who retired as Chief Customs Inspector for the Port of Mobile in March 2006. She also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class (YN2/E5) and was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, the Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal w/Bronze Star, and received an honorable discharge. Left to cherish her memories and legacy are her children: son, U.S. Army Sergeant Major (retired), Raymond L. Fernandez (Mitzie), and daughters Shana Y. Hughes and Shanita D. Lee-Smith (Ernest Jr.); Grandchildren: Rayanna Fernandez, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Ariana Hughes-Douggans, (Trenton), Adrianna Fernandez (fiance, Michael), Briana Jeanjacques, Dewayne J. Mack, Kaliyah Smith, Ernest Smith III; Great Grandchildren: Tytiana Douggans, Teiana Douggans, Gem Douggans, Siblings: Arthur Hughes Sr., Clarence Hughes, Sr. (Gail), Anna Hughes-Goldsmith (Allen Sr., deceased), and Linda Hughes and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and devoted friends. A special thanks to the Metropolitan Funeral Directors, and the doctors, nurses, and staff that provided comfort throughout her years at Mobile Infirmary, Springhill Hospital, Urology Associates of Mobile, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, Semple Premier Medical Retina, Cardiology Associates, Ascension Gulf Coast Medical Group Sacred Heart, and Lay Kidney Transplant Sacred Heart. Viewing are available to family and friends on the 19th November from Noon to 7 PM and the 20th November from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Metropolitan Funeral Directors, 701 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Mobile, AL 36603. The funeral service will be held on November 20th at 2:00 PM at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church #2, 251 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile, Alabama, 36603. A graveside service will immediately follow the service. A police escort will chaperon the procession from the church to the gravesite (3.3 miles drive). Following the burial, a repass will be held at Rascals Lounge, 2156 Costarides Street, Mobile AL. 36617, from 3-6 PM.