Heaven gained another Angel on August 17, 2024.  Ellen Hughes, age 102, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones.Ellen was born in Moultrie, Georgia to George and Dora Mobley. Ellen married Charles H. (Chuck) Hughes in 1943. The family moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1956.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, of sixty-four years and her sister, Madge Wilson.

Ellen has four daughters, Barbara (David) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Ginny (Tom) of Seguin, Texas, and Linda (Paul) and Nancy (Scott), both of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

She has been blessed with fourteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Ellen is also survived by her sister, Claire Hancock, and her sister-in-law, Jamie Howell.

At the time of her passing, Ellen was the oldest member of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. 

Ellen was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker whom also spent countless hours volunteering for the Red Cross. Ellen and her children lived in many places while Chuck was serving in the United States Air Force; she was a devoted military wife with love for our country. The family, along with their pets, enjoyed numerous trips in their motorhome, making wonderful memories. 

Ellen genuinely loved her family, her friends, big band music, and her cats. Ellen’s favorite color was purple. The family adored finding all things purple and all things with cats as gifts for Ellen (aka -Grandma). It became quite fun at holidays seeing what gifts everyone brought. She would always react with delight no matter what it was “aww look at that” with a chuckle. 

Her hobbies included crossword puzzles and watching baseball until she got frustrated with "HER" Atlanta Braves! It was so fun to see her fussing at the television at Chipper Jones. Ellen had a sweet spirit; she loved to sing and hum. She enjoyed going to line dancing lesson night; she was an awesome chair dancer.  She will be remembered by all with love and smiles. Truly, this is a time to celebrate her and this remarkable long life. Ellen has now entered the gates of Heaven and is rejoicing in the Lord with many joyous reunions with family and friends who have gone before her. 

The family would like to extend their gratefulness to the loving care takers for their unwavering devotion to "our sweet Ellen", “mom”, and “grandma”. You all are a special part of the family. Thank you from the bottom of their hearts, Jermaine (Jay) Richardson, Destahnee, NeNe, Tonya, and Kim of "Not Your Ordinary Caregivers, Inc.". You all were a beacon of light on this path.

A service honoring Ellen’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on Friday, August 23, 2024. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.; Interment will follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery.