On February 5, 1939, Betty Hambright Hughes was born in Gaston County, North Carolina, to the late Robert and Bertha Black Hambright. Her life would become a beautiful reflection of faith, family, love, laughter, and service to others. On September 6, 2026, Betty peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at her home, leaving behind precious memories and a legacy of love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Affectionately known as "Grandma Bet" by her family and simply "Ber" by her friends, Betty possessed a warm and welcoming spirit that made people feel at home in her presence. She had a beautiful smile that could light up any room and a wonderful sense of humor that brought laughter to those around her. Betty was known to be a jokester and enjoyed sharing moments of joy with family and friends. Her familiar greeting, "So glad to see you," was almost always accompanied by her big, unforgettable smile. Those simple words captured the essence of who Betty was, a woman who genuinely loved people and was always happy to welcome them into her presence.

Betty was a lifelong and faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for God was demonstrated through her service to the church and its members. Throughout the years, she faithfully served as a member of the Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, and the Golden Years Seniors. Betty had a genuine gift of hospitality and believed in serving the Lord with gladness. Whether she was greeting someone with a smile, helping in the kitchen, or simply offering a kind word, her service came from a loving and giving heart.

Betty received her formal education through the Gaston County and Cleveland County school systems. She attended Stewart Elementary School in Bessemer City, North Carolina, and Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman who spent 25 years with Pharr Yarns Mill, where she faithfully worked until her retirement.

Betty shared her life in marriage with the late James William Hughes, St. Together, they built a family that would become one of the greatest joys and lasting legacies of her life. To her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, Grandma Bet was a treasured presence whose love, humor, wisdom, and smile will never be forgotten.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Bertha Black Hambright; her beloved husband, James William Hughes, St.; her son, James "Jimmie" William Hughes, Jr.; her twin sister, Bobbie Ann Hambright; and her brother, Lewis Hambright.

Left to cherish her beautiful memories are her four children: daughters, Sylvia Smith, Linda Milton) Fox, and Sharon Barnette; and son, Edrick (Cherise, Tawanna); her sister, Betty Gamble; and her twelve beloved grandchildren, Lakeisha Smith, Twania Hughes, Ahmad Smith, Marcus Barnette, Brittany Barnette, De'Vonte Hughes, Deterrus Hughes, Diasha Hughes, Zi'Tavaiz Hughes, Za'Nadia Hughes, Somer Fox, Sedrickus Wingate, and ten great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memories is a special niece, Kimberly Redfern; special nephews, Anthony Hambright, St. and Robert Lewis Hambright, Sr.; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Betty's life was not measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the love she gave, the laughter she shared, the people she welcomed, and the lives she touched. Although her earthly presence will be deeply missed, the memories she created will remain forever. Her family will remember the laughter, the stories, the gatherings, and especially that beautiful smile that greeted them with the words: "So glad to see you.”

Funeral Services were held Sunday, September 13th, 2026 at St. James Baptist Church, Bessemer City. Burial took place at the Kelly's Chapel Cemetery.