Ms. Betty Lou Hughes

Betty Lou (Marshall) Hughes was born August 18, 1953 in Alton, Illinois to the late George W. Marshall Sr. and Bessie Warr-Marshall. Betty was educated in the Alton public school system and graduated from Alton High School class of 1971. Betty attained her Bachelors of Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and continued her education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to attain her specialized educator’s certification to teach Kindergarten through High School students with learning disabilities. Betty began her teaching career at the Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette in Grafton, IL and went on to teach at the Alton School District No. 11 where she retired. Betty was a lifelong educator and a strong advocate for young people to pursue higher education. Betty served on numerous Scholarship Committees such as her Williams Family Reunion, the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and the National Council for Negro Women. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and an active member of the Wood River District Region One. Betty was well known in the community for educating generations of Altonians and volunteering in the community. She was deeply committed to her family and church, was an avid reader, art music and sci-fi movie fan, she enjoyed dancing, playing cards, watching football and baseball. Betty accepted Christ at an early age under the Reverend L. T. Simmons of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong and faithful member and served on the choir, usher board, and scholarship committee. Betty married her high school sweetheart Dennis Hughes, Sr. and to that union was born their only son, Dennis Hughes, Jr. Betty was called to rest on Friday, December 20, 2024. Betty is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents and siblings Charles W. (Sugar) Marshall, Cora Clark, George W. Marshall Jr., and god-sister Earlene Mack. She leaves to cherish fond memories, her beloved son Dennis Jr and daughter-in-love, Pamela, granddaughters Denise, Diane and Dana who brought her much joy and pride. In addition, her siblings Anita Walker and Georgia Ann Marshall of Alton, Illinois, special sister-in-law Joann Marshall, special brother-in-law James Clark, Sr., adopted sister-mother Mildred Warren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends and colleagues, whom miss her dearly.

Ms. Betty Lou Hughes

August 18, 1953 - December 20, 2024