Mr. Cornelius and Bettie Lay welcomed their second born of eight children,
Areatha on June 8, 1927. Three siblings preceded her in death. Areatha met,
and was later joined in holy matrimony to Elbert Hughes on November 7, 1947.
To this union three children were born: William, Charles, and Daisy.
In 1956, Areatha and her family settled in Chicago, Illinois where she joined
Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully as an usher, and
later as a nurse. Areatha was always known to lend a helping hand ministering
to others, and driving anyone where they wanted to go. She enjoyed working
and encouraged all to “work while you can”. Areatha worked at Hall Printing
Company for 30 years, and she also worked for Chicago Public Schools. She
retired from both.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elbert, and son, William.
Cherished memories are left in the hearts of her son, Charles (Ellen) Hughes,
daughter, Daisy Harper; two brothers, Cornelius and George (Shirley), two
sisters, Murlean and Maelean, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
nieces, nephews, family and friends.