Marilyn Wilson Hughes

WEAVERVILLE - Marilyn Wilson Hughes, 84, of Yancey County, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and held in the comfort of the faith she cherished throughout her life.

Born in 1942 to the late Earl C. and Helen Peircey Wilson in Yancey County, Marilyn lived a life rooted in love, faith, family, and service to others. Also preceding her in death are sisters, Jo Richards and husband, Charlie; Christine Anglin and husband, Max; and brother, Fred Wilson.

She was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of Weaverville Presbyterian Church, where she worshiped and served faithfully for more than 40 years. Her faith was not simply something she practiced on Sundays—it was woven into the way she lived, loved, and cared for the people around her.

A graduate of Brevard College, Rollins College and Western Carolina University, Marilyn was a retired teacher who dedicated many years to encouraging and shaping the lives of others. She also had a special gift for writing and a deep love for family history. She understood the importance of remembering where we came from and preserving the stories of those who came before us. Through her love of family history, she helped keep generations connected.

But Marilyn’s greatest treasure was her family. A treasure of her husband of 60 years, Robert Guy Hughes who passed away in 2022. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She cherished her three sons, Samuel, Patrick, and Robert and wife, Sharon; and her grandsons, Robert Nolen Hughes and Andrew Guy Hughes. She also held a special bond with her sister-in-law, Wilma June Wilson; brother, Tom Wilson, married to Betty; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn’s life was a testimony to the quiet strength of faith and the lasting power of love. She leaves behind not only cherished memories, but a spiritual legacy that will continue through the generations. The lessons she taught, the stories she preserved, the prayers she prayed, and the love she gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Though her family grieves her passing, they can find comfort in the promise of her Christian faith—that death is not the end, but a homecoming. Marilyn has finished her earthly journey and entered into the presence of the Lord she loved and trusted.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and we can imagine that she was welcomed home with the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Her earthly story has come to an end, but her legacy of faith, love, family, and devotion will live on. Until the day her family sees her again, Marilyn will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in their hearts.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville with Rev. Skip Gillikin officiating. Burial will follow in the Sam Wilson Family Cemetery in Burnsville. The family will receive friends prior the service at the church from 1:15 – 2:15 pm.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Hughes family.