"The 13 years that I was with Jerry and Beth through Texas Commerce Bank in Beaumont are filled with many delightful memories. The many bank functions and social events we attended together were always enjoyable. Beth was such fun to be with in any kind of setting. She was always completely relaxed and you never knew what she might come up with. I?ll always remember the partnership we had, building and owing the lake house together at Toledo Bend lake, a completely enjoyable experience. Beth was a very special lady. My deepest condolences to Jerry, Kim, Jeff, Chris and their families. Dan Hallmark"
In loving memory of
Mary Beth Hughes
October 25, 1936 - June 27, 2020
Beth Reagan Hughes, aged 83, died at home on June 27, 2020, surrounded by her family. Beth was born in Sherman, Texas, on October 25, 1936, to Verba Omitine Nichols and T.J. Reagan. After graduating from North Dallas High School in 1955, Beth met Jerry Hughes, the love of her life. They married on June 1, 1956, at North Dallas Baptist Church. They started their family and made a home in Dallas over the next 14 years.
In 1970, the family moved to Beaumont, Texas, to further Jerry's career in banking. Beth loved her life in Beaumont, making many life-long friends, and thought it was an excellent place to raise their three children. She was a devoted mother and homemaker but also found time to attend Calder Baptist Church and spend hours on the tennis court with friends. Beth began to develop her flair for decorating and put her special touch on the 1930's home they refurbished over the next thirteen years. In 1984, Texas Commerce Bank asked Jerry to move to El Paso, Texas, so they began a new adventure in West Texas. Beth loved the desert and mountains of El Paso and she and Jerry spent much time traveling throughout the Southwest. During this time, they also acquired beagle puppy Linus, who became a member of the family. Beth provided anyone dog-sitting for Linus with written instructions for the situation-appropriate phrases he was used to hearing. ("Linus, we'll be back in 15 minutes" - regardless of how long you expected to be gone.)
After four years in El Paso, Texas Commerce called on Jerry once again to make a move, this time back to Dallas. Jerry's retirement from the bank in 1992 led them to Tyler, Texas, where they enjoyed a life full of dear friends, wonderful neighbors, service at First Presbyterian Church and years of volunteer work at P.A.T.H. (People Attempting to Help) and Meals on Wheels. One of their special pleasures was their luncheon club that met monthly for over 15 years. Beth created a beautiful home in Tyler's Azalea District that was warm and welcoming to anyone who crossed their threshold. Beth and Jerry's final move was to Austin, Texas, in 2011 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Beth was loved by her Austin neighbors who often received a gift of shortbread at holidays. When looking back over their many moves, Beth and Jerry agreed that every location was their favorite. Beth was the proudest of her close and loving family and always put them ahead of herself. She was sustained by her faith though out her life and never lost her sense of humor, even in her final days.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary Reagan. She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Jerry Charles Hughes; sister-in-law Patty Reagan; daughter Kim Hughes Pryor and Don Pryor, son Jeffrey Paul Hughes and Joni Kost, son Christopher Charles Hughes and Gina Hughes; grandchildren, Hadley Hughes, Ryan Hughes, Sophia Hughes and Corinne Hughes; niece, Renee McMillan; and numerous cousins . The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice Austin for their support and to Dr. Rene Castillo of Texas Oncology for his care and kindness.
Beth's Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745.
Harrell Funeral Home remains committed to the health of our community and following instructions from our local authorities. New gathering requirements are allowing more people to attend funeral services at one time. The number of guests permitted to gather is dependent on the capacity of the room where the service is occurring. The Austin Chapel can hold 100 guests at one time. All guests attending services are required to wear protective masks and practice social distancing etiquette. Also, we have increased cleaning protocols to make our home as safe as possible. Guests with compromised immune systems or feeling ill are asked to join services from the safety of their homes.
Tributes
"My name is Sue Starnes Woods. Beth and I were first cousins on our mothers\' side of the family. We have shared many confidences and adventures. When my husband John and I lived in England she came to visit. We enjoyed showing her around England and Scotland and on a tour of Woburn Abbey. We had the privilege of meeting the Duke of Bedford. We had many visits back and forth over the years, wherever each family was living. We shared the accomplishments of our children and when we had grandchildren their accomplishments also. We have been cousins, friends and \"antiquing buddies\" for years and I will miss her advice and sweet smile forever. Rest in peace Sweet Beth. Love, Sue"
"What a sweet woman, she had a way of making the smallest thing you did for her or Jerry seem like the biggest thing. She would call us often if she did not see our cars move for several days, checking up on us! I enjoy doing little things for them, especially when I was rewarded with those shortbread cookies. She was an excellent example of what a good neighbor should be. I will miss her smile and kindness."
"What can I say we all loved Beth and Jerry! In 2011 when they moved to Austin we all became a family. Beth was just a beautiful soul and we are already missing her so much. Our family on Bounty has lost a wonderful lady. We love you Beth and we will all keep watching out for your Jerry!?"
"My name is Betty Dockery Gonzalez,Beth Reagan Hughes was my cousin, I remember her as Mary Beth Reagan, She didn\'t like to be called Mary, so it was Beth. Her Daddy was my Mother Lillie Reagan Dockery\'s brother. His name was T.J. The Reagan family had about 14 brothers and sisters, and were always a close family. Years ago when I lived in Dallas with my girl friends and later my sister, Beth would call and asked if she and Gary could ride up to Trenton Country side to visit other Aunts and cousins. I always loved Beth, I remember one time when she lived in Tyler, several cousins and myself were able to go visit her for the day, She prepared a lovely luncheon for us. and we were able to have a wonderful visit. I met my husband, and married and lived in Calif for several years, so there were a lot of years I didn\'t get to see Beth or her family. I never forgot her , she was a lovely lady, and she will be miss by her loving family, I did get to know her daughter, Kim Pryor , who is a very sweet second cousin and she has been to my house several times to visit, It was my pleasure to get to know Kim. My prayers and sympathy goes out to Kim and Beth\'s family. I am one of the remaining Reagan cousins who is left, along with two others Nelda Lane, and JoAnne Reagan Duncan, I also remember I got to know Verba, Beth\'s mother many years ago. Signed: Betty Dockery Gonzalez "
"I . Loved. Beth. Not only was she my sister-in-law, but my confident; I don?t know how many times I cried on her shoulder (via phone). She was my prayer warrior. You guys were so blessed to have had Beth for your mom. I could go on & on... I loved her BIG and I will miss her. I love all you guys"
"Our prayers are with all the Hughes family in this sad time."
"Beth and Jerry were friends of ours in Beaumont. Jerry was with the bank and he suggested that they cobntact Bill when a credit card oportunity came up. We moved to Beaumont shortly after that. We shared a lake cabin at Toledo Bend Lake with a total of four families. I remember when we were finishing the details, Beth wanted to be sure and have carpet everywhere because she did not want to mop! We have great memories of those times."