Dr. Doris Faw Hughey

Dr. Doris Hughey—our beloved mother, Mema, and friend—lived her life with wisdom, love, and unwavering faith. She touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and deep devotion to God and family.

Born on April 21, 1929, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and raised in Piedmont, South Carolina, Doris was a lifelong educator who believed in the power of knowledge and the importance of nurturing others. She earned her undergraduate degree from Furman University, her master’s from Converse College, and her doctorate from the University of South Carolina. She served as a dedicated teacher and administrator in Spartanburg School District Five. She later worked as an adjunct professor at area universities. Doris spent her life encouraging, mentoring, and inspiring young and old alike. But her greatest lessons were those she shared outside the classroom—through her poetry, her stories, and the love she poured into every conversation.

Doris was the devoted wife of the late Carl Hughey (“Pete”), her beloved husband of 72 years. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Ann Rosenberg (Steve). She is survived by her loving children: Cathy Ballard (Dan), Beck Grant (John), and Trish Parker (Dennis). Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren: Amy Dickey (Jason), Danny Ballard, Eric Ballard, Joshua Parker (Adrienne), and Jacob Parker (Sara), as well as her nine cherished great-grandchildren (Cassie, Blake, Carson, Carley, Cooper, Kendra, Kolby, Ayden, Ember).

Her faith was the foundation of her life. For over 50 years, she and Pete were dedicated members of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and led with wisdom and grace. Together, they devoted themselves to serving others—delivering Mobile Meals and co-founding a caregivers’ support group to provide comfort and encouragement.

In later years, Doris became an active member of Southside Baptist Church, where she found joy in Groovy Grans, Ladies’ Bible Study, Lit and Latte, and the Joy Sunday School class.

Doris’s life was a testament to faith, love, service, and lifelong learning. As we mourn, we also celebrate the beautiful life she lived—a life of kindness, grace, and unwavering devotion. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. She turned strangers into friends and welcomed others with an open heart. With her words and by example she supported her family with boundless love. She sang to us, believed in us, and encouraged us in a way that only she could.

1 Corinthians 13:13 states, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Doris lived this truth every day—focusing on God and His goodness and finding the strength to praise Him even in the deepest moments of grief.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing she has been reunited in heaven with Pete and Carol Ann. We will forever treasure the memories of her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love.

The promise of Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Rest in peace. Your love lives on in all of us. May your memory be a blessing, inspiring us to praise God even in the midst of grief and hurt.

In memory of Mrs. Hughey, contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 316 S Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

The family will welcome guests at home of Dan and Cathy Ballard.