Frances Howard Hughes

Frances Howard Hughes went to be with her Lord at her second home, Salida, Colo., Friday, October 19, 2007 after 89 years on this earth. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Kinsey Baptist Church, Dothan, with a graveside service at Gardens of Memory. Frances was born in Southeast Alabama as the middle child of five to W.C. Howard and Claudia Elliott Howard. Frances was a former resident of Kinsey. Ever the family woman, she committed herself to time with her brother, sisters, and to husband, Clifton, of nearly 68 years. She was known to have reached out and touched the lives of many in the communities in which she resided. Frances was a woman pure of heart, she stood as a strong Christian each and every day. As a breast cancer survivor of 26 years, she gave her effort in everything she did and was never one to show resentment. She moved to Salida in 1998 with her husband, "Pop", Clifton to be closer to their only child, Larry Hughes. Everywhere she went, Frances was simply known as "Granny," a special name for a special lady. Leaving her home place was difficult due to family ties in Alabama, but "Granny" got involved in Salida with Temple Baptist Church, her sewing club, landscaping her new home and cooking on Sundays for the family. Her years in Colorado allowed her more time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so many new friends. Her nurturing spirit will forever remind all of us what a special "Granny" she was. Survivors include her husband Clifton Hughes, of Salida, Colorado; son, Larry (Tommie) Hughes, of Salida; grandchildren, Dixie (Walt) Harder, Britt Hughes, both of Salida; Capt. Dustin (Emily) Hughes, JAG, serving in Iraq; Ronda (Lyle) Wells, Lakeland, Florida; great-grandchildren, Sheridan, Dezi and Trenton Harder; Savannah Hughes; Michael and Jordan Wells; sisters, Trulia Clemmons, Vivian (Oscar) Freeman, both of Dothan, Alabama; brother-in-law Woody Tillery, of Dothan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Herbert Howard, and her sister Doris Tillery. The message will be given by Rev. Lyle Wells and Rev. Robert Strickland. Pallbearers include Britt Hughes, Walt Harder, Michael Wells, Johnny Oppert, Mike Clemmons, and Lamont Kelley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10022 or Gideons International, P.O. Box 5554, Dothan, Al. 36302. Holman-Headland Mortuary, (334) 693-3371, is in charge of arrangements.