A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF MRS. MARY FRANCES HUGHES OF RICHLAND COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Mary Frances Hughes of Richland County on January 11, 2025, at the venerable age of 89; and

 

Whereas, affectionately known to many as "Nana," Frances came into this world on September 6, 1935, in Eastover, the fourth of seven children born to the late Willie and Beatrice Craft McMillan; and

 

Whereas, the young Frances accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. She was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated as valedictorian from Webber High School. Upon graduation, she wed her high school sweetheart, Franklin D. Washington, the Lord blessing their union with a son, Franklin Ronald Washington. Sadly, both husband and son preceded her in death; and

 

Whereas, in 1964, while working at Fort Jackson Army Base, Frances met the love of her life, David Hughes Jr. The two were married later that year and raised two daughters, Myra and Fern, along with Ronald. Their marriage sustained overseas military deployments and periods of time when David was stationed away from Fort Jackson. Frances worked tirelessly to raise her children and care for her family while working full-time as a military personnel clerk for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1993, she retired from the Trainee/Student Processing Center after thirty-two years of exceptional and compassionate service; and

 

Whereas, this woman of faith was a dedicated member of Saint John Baptist Church for more than sixty years. She served on the Saint John Baptist Deaconess Board, where she was infant dedication coordinator for many years, and she was a member of the Nannie Burroughs Missionary Circle, which she served as treasurer. Further, she was treasurer for the Burton Heights-Standish Acres Community Association and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; and

 

Whereas, when Frances had spare time, she and David enjoyed bowling; fishing; and playing Bingo, Pokeno, and Pinochle. Frances also was a great cook and loved to bake delicious pound cakes. When people visited her home, she would often say, "You may not find a lot of money here, but you'll certainly get a stomachful"; and

 

Whereas, Frances leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Deacon David Hughes Jr.; her daughters, Myra (Steve) Foster of Lake Wylie and Fern (Melron) Kelly of Columbia; her grandchildren, Jaida and Joi Foster, as well as Myles and Morgan Kelly; bonus grandchildren Brittney and Stevie (Nicky) Foster; great-grandson Maverick; and a host of other loving family members and friends. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mrs. Mary Frances Hughes of Richland County, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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