Mary McDermott Hughes

Mary McDermott Hughes of Smithfield, VA, age 71, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born on May 14, 1953 in Williamsburg, VA to Thomas and Louise McDermott.

Mary received her Associate of Accounting degree from Thomas Nelson Community College. She went on to have a 45-year distinguished career as President and CEO of Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson, Inc., with two dealerships, one in Yorktown and the other in Virginia Beach as well as a retail outlet on the beachfront.

Her dedication and passion to help those less fortunate were evident by her sponsorship of two An Achievable Dream (AAD) academy classes, (2002 and 2012) providing 68 students with scholarships and the opportunity to receive a college degree. She also chaired AAD's Middle/High School Board of Directors for many years and served the school as a board member. Mary donated motorcycles benefiting hundreds of students with her annual support by her donating Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the Tennis Ball auctions every year. She also served the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula in leadership positions and monetarily. She donated motorcycles annually to support their auctions as well. Mary was named a Power Woman of South Hampton Roads by Inside Business in 2006.

Mary was known for being the most loving wife, mom, granny, sister, boss, and friend imaginable. She was a quiet philanthropist and supported many non-profits that benefited individuals throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia and the country. In one of her most generous acts, Mary donated a kidney to her younger brother Tim, in October 2008. She co-founded and led "Harley's Angels," a team of volunteers that supported American Cancer Society's Relay For Life for many years.

She made a significant impact on those around her, always helping those in need. She and her husband welcomed two of their youngest son's friends into her home when they most needed support.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Jerry, children: Chad Cox, Julie Sallade and Danny Cox, grandchildren: Samantha Sallade, Chase Sallade, Cole Sallade, Danny Cox Jr., Sade Cox, Fernando Seminario, Kisha Hester, Chyna Hester, Rob Hester, and Clint Hester, and siblings: Poppy Cumpson, Jeff McDermott, Bryan McDermott and Tim McDermott, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on June 29 at 11:00am at CNU's Ferguson Center, Newport News, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society.

The family expresses their gratitude to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Arizona's Mayo Clinic and Hospice of the Valley's Eckstein Center for their compassionate care and support.

Mary will be remembered for her love of family, life, beaches, painting, sense of humor, compassion for those in need, business leadership, extraordinary Sudoko skills and for her Snoopy dance.