Barbara Ann Farmer Hughes

Barbara Ann Farmer Hughes, 88, passed away on September 1st, 2026 at Transitions Hospice in Raleigh. Barbara Ann was born in 1938 to Cecil Earl Farmer and Hannah Ruth (Moss) Farmer in Riceville, Tennessee and grew up in Meigs County, Tennessee. She was the eldest of three children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hughes, Ph.D., mother, father, stepfather and sister, Cecileia. Carl and Barbara Ann were married in 1962. Prior to his passing, Carl was a Professor of Computer Sciences and Math at Fayetteville State University (NC). Dr. Hughes was an accomplished expert in Nutrition and Dietetics, an active member of her church and supported many professional and charitable organizations.

Barbara Ann is survived by her brother, Daniel Farmer (Irmo, South Carolina). She is also survived by nephews Danny Farmer (Orlando, Florida), Scott Farmer (Irmo, South Carolina), Patrick Shultz (Conover, North Carolina), Josh Shultz (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Russell Shultz (Athens, Tennessee) along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. Many relatives, friends and neighbors will miss Barbara Ann. She was refreshingly forthright and candid.

Dr. Hughes was a 1956 graduate of Meigs County High School in Decatur, Tennessee. She earned a B.S. in Home Economics from Carson-Newman College in 1960 and continued her education throughout much of her life. She earned an M.S. in Institution Management from The Ohio State University in 1963; an M.A. in Religious Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1968; an M.P.H. in Public Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972; and a Ph.D. in Health Services from Walden University in 1988.

In 1968 Dr. Hughes and her husband were members of an archaeological expedition at the Old Testament City of Ai in the occupied West Bank of Palestine. Dr. Hughes’ husband served as staff architect. Travel was an important part of their lives together and they enjoyed traveling to many places around the world.

At a time when few women held leadership roles, Dr. Hughes spent 1973-1989 as the Director and Branch Head of Nutrition and Dietary Services, Division of Health Services for the State of NC in Raleigh. Dr. Hughes authored many professional papers for publication. She held countless administrative and board positions for numerous nutrition, dietetic, and related professional organizations. She was a Past-President of Local Boards of Health (NC) and Past-President of ALTRUSA International, Inc. (global). Barbara Ann was very proud of her career and accomplishments. She signed all her emails with Barbara Ann Hughes, Ph.D, MPH, RDN, LDN, FADA, FAND. Her amazing accomplishments were even more impressive considering her very meager beginnings growing up on a rural farm as the child of a minister and homemaker. She never forgot where she came from and so appreciated the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to her as an adult.

Dr. Hughes had many community and personal interests. She was member of multiple groups including: the Laurel Hills Garden Club, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church where she worshipped, American Association of University Women, ALTRUSA International and The Raleigh Women's Club. She was an active member of the Democratic Party and expressed deep disappointment with the current political environment. Barbara Ann also valued National Public Radio and UNC TV/radio programming.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 am at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church on October 10th, 2026. A reception will be held following the service. Her ashes will be placed in the Siler Garden at Pullen Church following the reception. As a nutritionist and dietician, she would want us to eat healthy. Fresh fruits and vegetables will be served.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to any of the following: Pullen Memorial Baptist Church https://www.pullen.org/give ; Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (Barbara Ann Farmer Hughes Scholarship), [email protected] ; American Association of University Women, www.aauw.org/s/donation-products ; Altrusa International Foundation, Inc https://foundation.altrusa.org/donate/ ; Barbara Ann Farmer Hughes Scholarship, c/o https://www.cn.edu/giving/carson-newman-fund/ ; Dementia Alliance of NC https://dementianc.org/?form=DANCDonate; Food Bank of NC https://action.foodbankcenc.org/a/lo-donate-now . UNC-TV/Radio (National Public Radio) https://www.wunc.org/

The Hughes Family would like to especially thank Julie Anne Alexandrov (Arosa Care Manager), Dr. Hughes’ Arosa Caregiver team of companions and Shelley Brocksmith with Triangle Tech Savvy Seniors.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Hughes family.