Deborah Hughes

We celebrate the life of Deborah Ann Hughes, who peacefully passed away on March 3, 2025. Her final days were spent surrounded by the family and friends she loved dearly. Deborah was born on January 7, 1954, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late Rosa Ballard Alston and the late Coolidge Rheinhardt. The only girl of four children, Deborah was loved, adored, and spoiled by her mom and brothers.

Deborah was educated in the Guilford County school system and was a graduate of High Point Central High School. Upon graduation, Deborah joined the workforce, where she was often recognized for her willingness to always help others. In 1977, Deborah met the love of her life, Lafayette. Together, they shared six children.

Family meant the world to Deborah, and she truly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her devotion to her family was evident to everyone she met and in everything she did. Deborah never met a stranger and would give her last to anyone in need. If she had it, you had it...especially with food. She would often spend hours preparing meals for any occasion. The food was always guaranteed to be delicious and more than enough. She also knew how to make a dollar stretch and loved shopping. When she dressed up or the Dallas Cowboys finally won, you would often hear her say, “How ya like me now?!?” An active member of Christ Centered Community, High Point, North Carolina. Deborah served as a trustee and assisted with church finances. She had a true servant’s heart and was a light of love for all around her.

Deborah is preceded in death by her husband, Lafayette Hughes, father, mother, and brothers, Gareth Ballard and Harry Lee Alston. Deborah leaves behind a legacy of love that includes: four sons, Kenyatta (Martrina) Ballard of Greensboro, NC, Bryant Ballard I (Alanna Richardson) of High Point, NC, Reginald (Tyronia) Smith of Atlanta, GA, and DeLafayette (Diane) Hughes of High Point, NC; three daughters, Ruthie (Jimmy) Rogers and Sandra Hughes of High Point, NC, and Tina Marsh of Raleigh, NC; 14 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, James (Doris) Alston, Jr., of Atlanta, GA; one brother-in-law; seven sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and special friends.