of Maumelle, AR
May 17, 1941 - April 17, 2025
Dorothy Nell "Dottie" Hughes received her well-earned angel wings on April 17, 2025 and ascended to God's loving and awaiting arms. Dottie was born in Delight, Arkansas on May 17, 1941 to J. A. and Mildred Coker.
Those left to remember her beautiful smile and loving spirit are husband of sixty-eight years, Howard; daughter, Kim (Richard) McClain of Conway; son, Mitchel (Cindy) Hughes of Ft. Smith; sister, Billie (Mitch) Treat of Jacksonville; sisters-in-law, Karan Hughes of Maumelle and Carolyn Holmes of Hot Springs; grandsons, Landon (Breckenn) McClain, Connor (Emily) McClain, Alex Hughes and Brennen (Bree) Hughes; great grand-daughters, Wren and Lyla McClain and Paislee Hughes and great grand-sons, Miller and Gannon McClain. She also leaves nieces, Karen, Toni, Teri, Tammy, Tonya, Missy, Jana, Jamie, Gina and nephews, Hayden and Jade. She is also survived by many lifelong friends.
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, J.A. and Mildred Coker; brother, Jimmy Coker; brothers-in-law, Randy and Kenny Hughes, Don Holmes and nephew, Toby.
Dottie's patience and personality served her well as the Director of Volunteer Services at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith. Being a people person enabled her to perform other duties at the hospital like planning events, parties, decorating or whatever else became necessary. She cherished working with the volunteers and the Sisters of Mercy. Dottie retired after twenty years and was soon called back to work as the Mercy Celebrity Classic Coordinator for the Mercy Foundation. That short time grew into years and she retired once again, which allowed her to catch up on her well-deserved travels with her husband, Howard. She dearly loved to travel the world and if someone mentioned "go" she would grab her hat and purse! Dottie loved golf and was a member of the Maumelle Women's Golf Association.
With her kindness, outgoing personality and desire to share, it was easy to become a friend of Dottie's. She cherished those friendships and pleasant memories of her will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Dottie's life will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, April 26, 2025 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in memory of Dottie Hughes can be made to the following institutions; Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. Jude's or Morrilton Children's Home.
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20 Condolence(s)
Missy Masterson Hale
Sunday, April 27, 2025
I was asked by several people at the funeral yesterday to post my poem I presented at the service. Here it is:
WHY
Each day we live we wonder why
Some days are filled with pain.
We strive to understand it all
And what there is to gain
Our God reminds us faithfully
He loves us to the end.
Then one day He will tell us why
And we will comprehend...
Why trials and tribulations come
Throughout our whole lives long,
And why the birds, whose lives are short,
Still fill our days with song.
And why the flower, beautiful,
Comes but for a short time
And gives a glimpse of Heaven itself
Where life will be sublime.
And why the sun comes shining through
The clouds that bring the rain.
He promises there will be joy
To help us with our pain.
He gives us grace and peace and love
To guide us through each day -
He promises He'll always show
Us how to make our way.
And that although sorrow will come
At times throughout our years,
That in the end, all will be well,
And smiles replace our tears.
And if we will but let Him in
When life is full of loss
He'll lift us up into His arms
And carry us across
To better times, a better place
Where all those that we love
Await the day that we will dance
With them in Heaven above!
(c) Missy Masterson Hale
Charlene and Kairus
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Aunt Kim, Uncle Rich, Lanny, and Connor — we’re so sorry for your loss. Sending love and keeping you all in our thoughts from Minnesota. Wishing you peace, comfort, and time together to remember Dottie and celebrate her life.
Bob Moody
Friday, April 25, 2025
It was such a blessing to have known Dottie for so many years. She was a wonderful lady who was one of the kindest, giving, and loving individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She was a professional in everything she did as anyone who knew her as the Director of Volunteers or Mercy Celebrity Classic Coordinator would share. I can only imagine how devastating this loss is to Howard and their entire family and my prayers are with all of you. There is no doubt in my mind we will all see this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend again, but right now all we are grieving because her loss is so great. There will never be another Dottie in this world, but she is with our Lord, and we will be with her again.
Alice
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Dear Cousin Dottie I will miss you but look forward to seeing you again in Heaven!!
God Bless Howard and all the family!
I Love you so much you dear and wonderful Cousin!!
Alice Baldwin, Paul Coke,, and Kathy Stampflee. We all wish we could be there for your Memorial
Thelma Herndon
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Dottie was such a joy and will always hold a special place in my heart. Condolences to all of your family.
Sue VanHooser
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Dear Howard, Kim and Mitch, I love you all and am so sorry. Dottie and Howard were our best friends for many years and I have so many happy memories of our times together. My prayers are with you
Love, Sue
Steve and Pat Pierce
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dottie. She was a kind, thoughtful, and deeply caring person whose warmth touched everyone around her. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you, Howard, and to all who knew and loved her.
Natalie and Sean Montague
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Dear Hugh’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn sweet, precious Dottie. We enjoyed our time on the golf course with her and seeing Mr. Howard, Mrs. Dottie and little Benji on their evening golf cart rides.
Dottie was so cute and fun, always dancing and smiling with her gorgeous red hair. The love between Mr. And Mrs. Howard was to be admired. In love forever. She was a treasure and will be missed by all who knew her. We hope the ight she shone on this world brings you comfort in this dark time.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Natalie and Sean Montague
Carolyn Watts
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Dearest Hughes Family,
My heart just a hurts when I think of our Dottie not being here on this earth any longer. However, my heart smiles to know she is no longer in any pain and her sweet, beautiful soul, personality and precious smile will never be forgotten! God has another angel and we who were blessed to have her friendship for many, many years, are very thankful she was part of our lives!
Gary and JAYNA Blan
Monday, April 21, 2025
Dottie, was one of the first people I hired when I was a young Associate Administrator at St.Edward Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.That decision was one of the best of my life. She was AMAZING at everything she decided to undertake. Everyone’s dream manager and leader. Plus, my family and I gained a friend for the past 53 years. Having worked with thousands of people since that time, Dottie stands out as a STAR in my mind and my world. Sweet, kind, caring, creative, values and principles. She was the hands, feet and eyes for Jesus everywhere she went. God Returned this ANGEL to HIS side. She loved Howard, her kids and grandchildren beyond what the “tongue can speak .” May she REST IN PEACE AND RISE IN GLORY. Prayer for Howard and her family.
Gail and Ann Matthews
Monday, April 21, 2025
Howard and Family So Sorry to hear about Dottie What a Blessing to have known her Smile was contagious . Prayers for you’ll .
Pamela Acklin
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Kim I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Darrell Dishner
Saturday, April 19, 2025
To the Hughes Family,
Having grown up in Ft Smith some of my fondest memories were of the many hrs I spent with my friend Mitch and his family. I am so sorry for the loss that you’re experiencing with the passing of such a vibrant and beautiful soul as Dottie. From the first time I met her as one of our home room mothers at Echols Elementary she was always one of my favorite moms. Her smile and enthusiasm were so authentic and she always seemed to have a way of making everyone feel special. Dottie was our Lamaze coach at St Edward’s when we had our first child and though it had been years since I’d seen her she hadn’t changed a bit. Her wit and humor made those classes not only fun but left us with memories that still can make me laugh. Thank you Mitch, Kim and Howard for sharing her with all of us. What a legacy of love, inclusion, joy and service is left in her absence. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that legacy will continue on through the lives she so generously touched, the countless acts of service she so willingly gave and through you her family, children and grandchildren who she so lovingly, faithfully and proudly raised!
Dawn Graham
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Oh my sweet friend. Your momma was one of the most precious people I’ve ever met. You’re just like her!! I love you so so much and praying for you and your family.
Itina Williams
Saturday, April 19, 2025
My deepest condolences and prayers are with you and the family.
Love you all,
Itina Williams and Family
Carol Daoust
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Dottie, I will miss you! You have been a wonderful friend!
I will miss your beautiful smile and big heart!
Carol
Robert Daoust
Saturday, April 19, 2025
I have so much love and respect for Dottie and Howard. We will truly miss Dottie’s smile and beautiful southern accent.
Regina Mason
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Dear Dottie… we will miss you, your smile, your energy and your big heart. I love you my friend. You were always there for me and taught me so very much… you made me a better person.
Missy Masterson Hale
Saturday, April 19, 2025
My family lost a treasure.
Aunt Dottie was the most beautiful woman - inside and out, and all our lives were made better by her presence in them. She loved us all - in big ways and small - and our world will never be the same without her. She always reminded me of a little hummingbird - a tiny, quick dynamo whose smile could light up a room and whose gentle ways could comfort a breaking heart.
I am thinking of her now, and smiling, imagining her joyful reunion with other loved ones who have gone before her and with whom she is now reunited. We love you, Aunt Dottie, and you will be missed. You enriched all our lives in immeasurable ways.
Cheryl Hudson
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Howard, my heart is broken for you and your family. But no pain and being with Jesus what an amazing time. I’m here for y’all. Love u , Cheryl