Ernestine Deloris Hughes was born September 15, 1935, to the late Eula Pearl Powe (Charlie) and Ernest F. Hayes (Doretha) in Buckatunna, MS. She peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the age of 87 years.

Ernestine, known affectionately as "Lois" to many, lived her early life in Buckatunna, MS, with her paternal Grandmother Mary Hayes, who was determined to raise a baby girl after having three sons. Upon Mary's passing, Ernestine reunited with her mother and step-father in Mobile, AL. Aside from nearly a decade in Pittsburgh, PA, Ernestine lived her life in Mobile, where she resided until the time of her passing. She attended Mobile County Training School, Bishop State Community College (AA), and University of South Alabama (BS, MA). Ernestine's passion for learning inspired her own educational pursuits, as well as her life-long career educating children in the Mobile County Public School System.

Ernestine began her teaching career by integrating the faculty of Tanner Williams Elementary School in the late 1960s. She was a classroom teacher until she completed her master's degree in media science. She then transitioned to the role of Media Specialist at Leinkauf Elementary School. She worked tirelessly as an educator until her retirement.

Above her commitment to her family and her work, however, was her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a lifetime member of Mt. Hebron Church Ministries (formerly Mt. Hebron Baptist Church) where she served as a member of both the Usher Board and Missionary Society (President), as well as an active Sunday School participant. She loved her church family and watched it grow under the extraordinary leadership of Pastors Joseph and Linda Johnson. Before her health declined, she enjoyed attending services, ministry events, and church activities. It is also worth noting that Ernestine was well known around the church for her stunning hats and sense of style.

Ernestine was loved by many and would do anything for anyone. Her generosity extended far and wide as she could always be counted on to donate to honorable causes and contribute whatever she could whenever called on by family and friends. She loved to travel, attend family reunions, spend time in Chicago with her siblings, and vacation with her sister, Rose Marie. Ernestine was married to Jerome Chaney, Sr., and during this union 4 children were born. Following the dissolution of this union, she raised her children into their adulthood. She then married Preston William Hughes, Jr. and became bonus mother to 8 more children. Mr. Hughes preceded Ernestine in death in 2012. Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory the following children: Jerome Chaney, Jr., L. Denise Posey, Myrna Andrews (Curtis), Andrew Hughes, Lloyd Hughes, Bobby Lee Hughes, Linda (Russell) Hughes Taylor, Vaness Hughes, Ernest Hughes (Monica), and Preston Hughes (LaToya). Ernestine was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Jeanetta Story, and her son, Charles Hughes.

She was blessed with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She loved to hear from them and hear all about their many accomplishments. She prayed for them and excitedly welcomed them home on their trips to Mobile. Ernestine was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Vanessa Hughes and Natasha Osburn.


Ernestine was 1 of 9 children. She is survived by: Ernest A. Hayes, M.D. (Gene) and Rose M. Butler Hayes, Ed.D. She was preceded in death by: Doris Jackson, Charlie "Chuck" Powe, Silvie Lee Powe, Mattie Pearl Taylor, Florence "Melvin" Powe, and William "Bill" Hayes.

She is also survived by her dearly beloved friend and confidante, Ann Jenkins Webb. They shared a wonderful friendship full of traveling with the Retired Teachers group, among many other lasting memories. Ernestine remained steadfast in her involvement with Mobile Co. Training School Alumni. She spent countless hours with her classmates at reunions and cookouts where they kept abreast of each other's lives and supported each other through challenges and triumphs.

By the grace of God, Ernestine was able to advance her education, build her career, and serve the community all while raising her beautiful children. She took tremendous pride in meeting her responsibilities and obligations with perseverance and determination. Through it all, she was rooted in her faith, and she lived a life of dignity. She held herself and her loved ones to the highest of standards, and she inspired others to do the same.

Her favorite scripture has remained the 23rd Psalm and her testimonial song was "Amazing Grace."

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come This grace that brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home."

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

"Hallelujah!! What a Mighty God We Serve!! Another one of God's Children has gone to Glory!"