Carolyn Bethune Hughes

Carolyn Bethune Hughes passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, surrounded by family.

A graveside service will be held at Parkton Cemetery on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Ronald L. Williams officiating.

Carolyn was born on July 1, 1949, to the late Robert Archibald Hughes and Mary Neal Shaw Hughes. She grew up in Parkton, NC, and cherished daily time with her large, loving extended family. Carolyn attended school in Parkton but later graduated from Salem Academy and Salem College.

After working in Atlanta, Carolyn returned to North Carolina and lived in Fayetteville for nearly forty years. She was active in the arts community, created a warm home for herself and her dogs, Fiona and Shawna, and loved spending time with friends and family. Carolyn worked as an accountant for Southern Carpet & Interiors, where her colleagues became like family.

Carolyn enjoyed many trips in her youth, especially to the NC mountains with her parents and Aunt Margaret and Uncle T. She also traveled to Europe, Canada, and Iceland, where she honored her father’s military service. She treasured visits to Holden Beach, NC, and Little River, SC, with family and friends.

A lifelong member of Parkton Presbyterian Church, Carolyn served as an Elder and Church Treasurer.

Carolyn loved her family deeply. She enjoyed attending family gatherings and selflessly cared for relatives throughout her life. She also adored her dogs, Daisy and Pearl, who brought her great joy.

Carolyn was passionate about reading, gardening, cooking, art, antiques, and genealogy. She had an exceptional memory for family history and shared invaluable knowledge of the Hughes and Shaw families. She took great pride in the home where she grew up and enjoyed hosting the annual Hughes family Christmas dinner, a tradition since 1918.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, five first cousins, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by twenty-seven first cousins who loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkton Presbyterian Church, PO Box 92, Parkton, NC 28371 or to ASPCA.