Nancy Elizabeth (Wilson) Hughes

Nancy was born on November 2, 1931, in Gaston County, NC, to the late Lucius Edward Wilson and the late Carrie Mae Kendall Wilson. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Herman H. Huges; and sister, Alice Lankford.

She was the kind of woman who made the world feel softer just by being in it. With a smile that stayed steady even when life grew heavy, she carried a quiet strength that lifted everyone around her. She never met a stranger, and she welcomed each person with the same open heart. If she could have given you the world, she would have done it without hesitation. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a proud charter member of Parkwood Baptist Church, joining alongside her two daughters. Before that, she shared her musical gifts at New Hope Baptist Church, where she played the organ with devotion and joy. Music was her ministry, and when she became a member at Parkwood, she continued to serve faithfully as the church pianist for many years. And when it came to feeding people, she did it with the same love she poured into everything else. She was happiest in a busy kitchen, cooking for large family gatherings where laughter, stories, and good food filled every corner of the home. Her meals were more than recipes; they were acts of love, shared generously and often.

Above all, she lived a life rooted in kindness, service, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy is one of open doors, open arms, and a heart that never stopped giving.

Nancy is survived by her loving daughters, Pamela H. Ballard (Roy) and Karen H. Rogers (Danny); grandchildren, Robert E. Ballard (Chrissy), Chris Ballard (Nome), Jason Rogers (Vanessa); great grandchildren, Mitchell Ballard, C.J. Ballard, Jayden Ballard, Riley Rogers, and Lauren Phillips; brother, Steve Wilson (Alice); as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and special sister, Gail Sherrill Conner.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054. A celebration of life service will follow immediately at 2:30 pm at Carothers funeral home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please donate if you can to Robin Johnson Hospice House or a Cancer Society of your choice.