Leola Rachael Tatum Hughes, 86, of Sanford, NC died Friday, July 8, 2011 at Firsthealth of the Carolina's in Pinehurst, NC. She was born in Gilmer County, GA on March 9, 1925 to the late John Canada Tatum and Paralee Wright Tatum.  She was also preceded in death by her late husband William Howard "Bub" Hughes; sisters Lois Tatum Hulsey and Jewel Tatum Kelly and brothers Max Tatum and Erman "Curly" Tatum and M.C. Tatum.

Mrs. Hughes is survived by daughter Janet Hughes Britt and husband Michael Robert Britt of Sanford, NC; brothers Kenneth Tatum and Claude Tatum and wife Melba all of Canton, GA; sisters Doris Puckett and husband Arvil and Carol Roland and husband Randall; sister-in-laws Rachel Tatum and Florene Tatum all of Canton, GA; two granddaughters; two step-grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 13th from 12-8 PM at Darby Funeral Home and the funeral will be held Thursday, July 14th at 11:00 AM also at Darby Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Phyfe officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the funeral hour.  Burial will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park. Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome.com or www.darbyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home in Sanford, NC and Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA.