Betty Jean Hughes

Betty Jean "Totsie" Hughes, a beloved member of the Pembroke community and a beacon of strength and perseverance, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Sunday, April 5th, 2026. Born on Friday, November 19th, 1943, in Statesboro, Georgia, Totsie led a life full of adventure, compassion, and dedication.

Raised in the close-knit town of Pembroke, Totsie was the first-ever female basketball player from Bryan County High School to earn All State status, a testament to her determination and skill. In 1961, she was selected by the Macon Telegraph to be on the Class C All State Team, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for female athletes in her community. Her passion for basketball, driven by her love for running and jumping, was just the beginning of a lifetime of achievements.

Totsie left Georgia after graduation to explore the Bay Area of California, a place she had adored since a summer visit in her youth. Her adventurous spirit eventually led her back to Bryan County after a successful 24-year career at Roadway Express, where she worked in Overages Shortages, and Damages or OS&D. Throughout her life, she was celebrated for her hard work, dedication, and positive attitude.

A two-time cancer survivor, Totsie's resilience inspired countless individuals around her. She volunteered her time to feed and cook for the senior citizens and the shut-ins of Pembroke, living by her cherished belief, as quoted in the Bryan County Now newspaper on May 17, 2018, "Enjoy every single minute of your life that you possibly can because you never know when that will be gone."

Totsie loved to travel, exploring Europe and Ireland, and enjoyed many cruises. Her love for life was contagious, and she cherished every moment with friends and family.

Betty Jean "Totsie" Hughes is survived by her cherished nieces and nephews Billy Hughes, Jennifer Gray (Kevin), Jeffrey Hughes, George Fiori, Steve Fiori, Jimmy Futch, Larry Futch, Mike Miller, Candy Miller, James Hughes, and Wendy Cowart Neuroth. She also leaves behind her special friends, Judy Cook and Gene Conley, who were like family to her and the Bryan County High School Class of 1961.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Thomas Benjamin Hughes and Julia Catherine Hughes; her dear sisters, Edna Marie Fiori, Evelyn Futch, and Lois R. Miller; her brothers, James Howard Hughes, William "Bill" Walton Hughes, Tommy "Johnny" Edward Hughes and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation to honor and celebrate Totsie's life will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Flanders Powell Funeral Home. Services will be private, respecting Totsie's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Totsie's memory to the Pembroke Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 430, Pembroke, GA 31321.

Betty Jean "Totsie" Hughes leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering passion for living life to its fullest.

Arrangements are under the thoughtful care of Flanders Powell Funeral Home & Crematory.