Easter McGough Hughes, age 89, beloved mother, grandmother and wife of the late Dr. Joe Don Hughes passed away peacefully at home.

Easter was a native of St Cloud, Florida and grew up training horses. She was one of the first women competitive swimmers/divers on the Florida State University swim team, then graduated from Stetson University with a B.A. in fine arts, followed by her teaching certification from the University of Florida. She left Florida to teach school in Texas where she met Dr. Hughes. They moved to Rutherfordton in 1964 and both cherished the life they built on the family farm surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends. Through the years, Easter taught numerous childrens' choirs and Sunday school classes at First Baptist Rutherfordton where she was a member for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents W.B and Louise McGough, Sr and her brother W.B. McGough, Jr.

She is survived by one brother, Dr. E.C. McGough and wife Sharon of Salt Lake City, Utah.

She is survived by two sons: Joe Hughes and wife Vicki; George Hughes and wife Janet; and one daughter, Donna Hughes and three grandchildren, Isaac Hughes, Madalyn Hughes, and Mackenzie Hughes.

She is also survived by two sisters-in-law Nita Hughes and Mary Hightower of Arlington, Texas and one Brother-in-law, Dr. David Hughes and wife Beth of Fredericksburg, Texas.

The graveside service will be at Gray's Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery at 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, with Reverend Tim Marsh, Reverend Dr. Doug Dickens, and Reverend Robert Mauney officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton, P.O. Box 839, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, or to Gray's Chapel UMC Cemetery Fund; Grays Chapel Cemetery Fund is 1254 Grays Rd, Rutherfordton. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.