April 2, 1927 – February 11, 2020
Elizabeth Jane Hughes was born April 2, 1927, in Minneapolis, MN to the late Orleta G. Berryman Hughes Oden and James T. Hughes. Elizabeth attended Warrington, Bryant and Central Schools. She also attended the Minnesota School of Business, University of MN, Los Angeles City College, Chaffey Community College, and Anthony Real Estate School in California.
Her careers were with the Douglas County Assistance Bureau in Omaha, NE, City and County Career Service, Budget and Management in Denver, CO, Veterans’ Administration, National Park Service, and the U.S. Marshals’ Office in California.
Her community involvements included Crisis Hotline, Nutritional Program, American Heart Association, Drug Abuse, Iliff School of Theology, Ombudsman Program, and Guardian for nursing home residents, Social Worker Designee, and she received numerous certificates and awards.
Elizabeth was a member of Aurora Senior Center, Black American West Museum, Senior Friends, Curtis Park Community Center, Oasis Senior Group, Black Genealogy Research Group, Census Worker, and Lay Visitation with Scott United Methodist Church, “U Meet Us Seniors,” and the Red Hats.
She was preceded in death by her brothers James P. Hughes and Perry E. Oden. She is survived by one brother, Commodore L. Oden; nieces Carolyn Hughes Smith, Elizabeth J. Hughes, Mary Ann Oden Howard, Kimberley Oden and Leticia Alvarez; nephews James P. Hughes, Jr. and Michael Oden; cousins and friends.
“I have lived a good life,
I am finally free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
Tasks undone must stay that way,
I could not stay another day.
I am whole — I am peaceful.
Let good memories flow.”
Send all cards and well wishes to: Carolyn Hughes Smith, 14171 NE San Rafael St., Portland, OR 97230
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.