Margret J Hughes

Margret J. Hughes, 76, of Gulfport, died early Palm Sunday morning after an arduous battle with COPD and Dementia. Raised in Wybelsum, in Emden, Niedersachsen, Germany, her parents owned and operated a bakery when she was a child during WWII and they defied Hitler by hiding Jews from the Nazis. She had been a stewardess for Sabena Airlines and worked at the 1958 World's Fair, in Brussels, Belgium. There she met and married George R. Hughes, an American Serviceman. Shortly after the birth of her first child (Dianne), they were transferred to the U.S. After the birth of her second child (Rhonda) they were transferred to Keesler, AFB, where she instantly fell in love with the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a gifted seamstress and often made special occasion dresses for her daughters while studying Interior Design and Decorating. She was one of the first women in the area to obtain a self-employed business loan. After creating her workroom and studio in her home, her talent went even further than making draperies. She made swags, cornices and pillows. Her personal decorating touches brought in clients including owners of house boats at the marina and many residents of the beautiful homes along the beachfront, all while helping train others in the trade and running the business. She cared for her husband George R. Hughes who preceded her in death after a valiant fight with crippling arthritis and cancer. She was happiest when cooking and having fellowship in her home with the Faith Based Groups from North Carolina that came and helped rebuild her home after Hurricane Katrina. She was also happy knowing her feline friends were nearby. Survivors include 2 children, Dianne (Jeff) Jones of Montgomery, AL, and Rhonda Hughes of Gulfport, MS, and special friend, Michael Hall. Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a service at 12 noon at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St. Gulfport. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter, 1900 Dunbarton, Dr., Suite H, Jackson, MS 39216. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.co