Addie Merlene Locke Hughes, age 86, of McCaysville passed away on August 29, 2022 at her home. Merlene was born on January 26, 1936 in Polk County to the late Frances Marion Locke and Dora Mae Payne. She was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church. Merlene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Hughes; great-grandson, Teigan Michael Hughes; son-in-law, Donnie Nicholson; and twelve siblings. Merlene is survived by her sons, Russell (Kathy) Hughes of McCaysville, and Alton Hughes of McCaysville; daughters, Lorie (Gary) Bearden of Blue Ridge, and Stephanie Nicholson of Blue Ridge; as well as, eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel at Akins-Cobb with Rev. Grayson Jones and Rev. Adam Hughes officiating. Music will be provided by Cody and Tamara Payne. Interment will follow in the Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers, James Hughes, Zack Nicholson, Cole White, Adam Hughes, Grayson Jones, Blake Hughes, and Bryson Hughes. Wayne Stiles Jr. will serve as an honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.