Bonnie Hughes

Bonnie was born on August 5, 1947, in Mount Airy, NC to Peggy Wilcox King and Samuel Lee King, both deceased. She was educated in the Mount Airy School System, then embarked on a lengthy career in the field of education with the Stokes County, NC school system. She served as a teacher assistant at Sandy Ridge Elementary School, secretary at North Stokes High School, then moved to Central Office in Danbury. During a 33-year tenure, she held the titles of Assistant to the Superintendent, Public Information Officer, as well as Coordinator of SIMS/TIMS, YMCA After School Program, and the GED Program through Forsyth Technical Community College.

In addition, Bonnie served as state president for the NC School Public Relations Association, and was instrumental in facilitating the first Visiting International Teaching Program in Stokes County. Tasked with increasing interest in technology, Bonnie created and spearheaded a successful media campaign titled "What is TED?" which included anticipatory billboards across the county for the "Technology Education Day" finale. She was highly respected across North Carolina in Department of Instruction PR circles.

Bonnie grew and nurtured a strong spiritual connection throughout her life. She worshipped, learned, taught Sunday School, and lead committees at Eastside Baptist Church in Mount Airy, Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Sandy Ridge, and cherished her time at Hodgins United Methodist Church in Stoneville, NC. Bonnie read The Upper Room: Daily Devotional Guide each morning right up until her hospitalization.

Serendipity was proven on April 6, 2001, when Bonnie met William Russell "Bill" Hughes, Jr. The chance blind date marked the beginning of an incredible 22-year journey filled with music, laughter, and adventure.

In addition to her husband Bill, Bonnie is survived by four children, Angela H. Boles (Tom Grant) of Stoneville, NC and Benjamin A. Hall (Michelle) of Lawsonville, NC, Kristi H. Kelly (Brian) of Burlington, NC and William Russell "Tripp" Hughes, III of Burlington, NC; two siblings, Tim A. King (Nora Woolcott) of Longs, SC and Karen ElKhouja of Mount Airy, NC; one niece and three nephews, Rachael DeCarvalho (Willie) of Campbell Hall, NY, Timothy A. King, Jr. (Brandy) of Pfafftown, NC, Derrick Hicks (Aaron Zavala) of Glendale, Arizona, Theseus John King of Mount Airy, NC; and three aunts: Gaye McKeithan, Kaye Haymore, and Barbara Wilcox, all of Mount Airy, NC. Bonnie loved being "Nene" to thirteen surviving grandchildren: Jessica, Paul, Zachary, Charlotte, Ainsley, Cole, Wes, Mary Grace, Gabrielle, Eli, Sophie, Olivia, and Emelia. There are too many special people in Bonnie's "family" to acknowledge individually, but those people know who they are and how much they meant to her. Lastly, beloved Basset Hound Bailey Hughes of the home is also acknowledged.

Bonnie was predeceased by a daughter, Christy Lee Hall, in addition to her parents.

There is no word, phrase, or metaphor that could do justice in describing Bonnie's life and the positive impact she made for countless people and communities. She will best be remembered for her smile, her infectious laugh, and her ability to bring optimism in the bleakest moments. She was a poet, a sailor, an educator, a reader, a dancer, a biker "chick", a camper, a wanderer, a beachcomber, a storyteller, and the life of the party. Her energy, spirit, and kindness live on in all who had the gift of knowing her.

A special service will be held at a later date to celebrate Bonnie's life and honor her legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations for which Bonnie felt strongly: Help, Incorporated: Center Against Violence, PO Box 16, Wentworth, NC, 27375; Carolina Basset Hound Rescue, PO Box 80082, Charleston, SC, 29416, and Crescent Hospice, 1516 E Hwy 501 - Suite 101, Conway, SC, 29526.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Hughes family.