Anna Lou Hughes, age 93, a devoted woman of faith and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. She was born on August 8, 1932, in the Jacks Creek community to the late Luke and Ethel Laughrun.
On Christmas Eve of 1951, she married her husband of 69 years, Farrell Hughes. Together, they built several businesses, tended an enormous garden, and enjoyed showing off their champion show horses. Anna Lou worked diligently to manage the administrative side of the family businesses, raise her children, and prepare incredible meals from the crops they grew.
Her faith was the foundation of who she was. Alongside her beloved husband, Farrell, Anna Lou faithfully attended West Burnsville Baptist Church for many years. The church was central to her life—a place where she worshiped, served, and built lasting friendships. Her trust in God remained steady and unwavering, even in her later years.
While Anna Lou had many passions, her true pride and joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Farrell Hughes, and her beloved siblings Jack Laughrun (survived by his wife, Hettie), Floyd Laughrun, Ray Laughrun (Doris), Roy Laughrun (Lucille), Mary L. Minor (Walter), and Betty Jo Hatfield (Tommy).
She is survived by her sister Wanda Hope Laws (late husband, AJ); her son Warren Hughes (Patti); her daughter Vickie Hughes; her grandchildren Crystal Letterman Capps and Lilly Hughes Humen (Bobby); and her great-grandchildren Emerson and Henry Humen, who were a special joy in her life.
Anna Lou’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely—to her family, her church, and everyone blessed to know her. She will be remembered for her kindness, devotion, and the quiet example of a life lived in service to God and others.
Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at West Burnsville Baptist Church from 5-7pm with a service to follow. Graveside services will be on Thursday, January 29th at 2pm at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorials to be made to Compassionate Care of WNC, whose providers took such wonderful care of Anna Lou in her final weeks of life. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Anna Lou’s caretakers who provided around the clock care and allowed her to reside in the comfort of her home since the death of her husband, Farrell, four and a half years ago: Angie Higgins, Debbie Holcombe, Pat Morrow, Lesa Autrey, Paula Smith, and Maude Silvers
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and welcomed home with peace.
