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Jane Hughes, aged 80, of DeArmanville, Alabama, passed away on May 2, 2024, due to complications arising from Alzheimer’s. Overlooking the cherished family farm, she departed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones just two weeks after the passing of her beloved husband, Dewey. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, May 6, 2024, at DeArmanville Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm, led by family friend and pastor, Reverend Paul Vick. Jane will be laid to rest in the family cemetery on the farm. Jane was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 16, 1943. Her family moved to Friendship, Alabama in 1945. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1961 and four months later married her high school sweetheart, Dewey Gray Hughes, Senior. Jane was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and friend whose creativity knew no bounds. She touched countless lives with her talents and warmth. She enjoyed working with friends in her own French hand sewn children’s clothing line, Special Occasions, where her passion for creativity and craftsmanship shone brightly. Jane poured countless hours into crafting photo albums and videos, capturing cherished moments for friends and family to treasure forever. Her cooking was legendary, particularly her biscuits and gravy, yeast rolls, fried chicken, chocolate pie, baked beans, farm grown vegetables, and vegetable soup, which brought joy to the many who often joined them for meals. The Hughes home was adorned with curtains and pillows she made herself, family photos, and mementos collected from her children and grandchildren. Jane was a devoted gardener of both vegetables and roses. She meticulously tended both, which was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, love of nature, and a desire to bring beauty into the world. Jane had an adventurous spirit, delighting in travels with family, taking her grandchildren on “bear hunts” on their property and creating unforgettable holiday experiences with made-from-scratch gingerbread houses that her family would decorate. Jane was an avid Alabama and Atlanta Braves fan. Later in life, Jane became a substitute teacher at her alma mater, Oxford High School. She called the students “her kids”. Many of the students have shared that she was their favorite! Jane loved the Lord and was quite active in her church in a number of ways including youth teacher, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, and a participant in several disaster relief mission trips. Jane never met a stranger and loved others unconditionally. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the light she brought into the lives of those around her. She is survived by her children, Gray Hughes (Shelley) and Amy Hughes Fender (Craig); her son in law, Robert Costanzo; grandchildren, Caleb Costanzo, Lauren Costanzo Fontanez (Matthew), Christopher Mark Costanzo, Suzanna Costanzo, James Gray Costanzo, Benjamin Costanzo, Caroline Irby (Steven), Austin Hughes (Sarah Reagan), Anna Rebekah Hancock (Kyler), Jacob Fender, and Hannah Fender; great grandchildren, Hughes Wilder Hancock and Austin Gray Hughes, Jr.; siblings, Ina Houston McCullars (Jerry) and Tim Houston. She was known as Mama Jane throughout the community with a host of bonus kids and grandkids, many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dewey Gray Hughes, Sr; daughter, Lori Hughes Costanzo; parents, Nellie Stovall Houston and Martin Edgar Houston; and sister Betty Fendley (Don). Pallbearers are grandsons, Caleb, Austin, Christopher, James Gray, Benjamin, Jacob, Kyler, Steven, and Matthew with honorary pallbearers, Wesley Williams and Ben Stevens. Jane’s favorite Bible verse: “Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonian 5:16

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Mrs. Mary Jane Houston Hughes

May 16, 1943 - May 2, 2024