Atlas (Peterson) Hughes

Atlas Hughes, age 94, went home to her Savior on March 14, 2025, just days shy of her 95th birthday. She was born March 24, 1930 to Briscoe and Kate Peterson of Huntdale, NC.  

Atlas, better Known as Momma and Mammaw, was beloved by her entire family and community of the Bailey Settlement in Poplar, NC. 

Atlas devoted her life to serving her Lord. She was a lifelong member and filled several roles over the years at “The Bailey House” (Bailey Brethren Church).  She was a prayer warrior and spent much time on her knees praying for everyone she knew. She also was God’s hands and feet by reaching out to the sick, the lost, and the hurting. She gave her all to do good for others. Atlas’s heart was so big and tender. She could not stand to know that someone was in need or without. Atlas also was a student of the Word. She studied God’s Word and held it in her heart. Anyone who knew her, knew that she was a very humble and faithful servant. She knew the meaning of life was to serve God through serving others and she lived it as faithfully as she possibly could. 

When Atlas began her married life with her cherished husband, the late Charles Garrett Hughes, they worked tirelessly to build a life and began to raise their family, which grew into seven children.

Early in their marriage, Charles was away from home providing for his family as a long-distance truck driver. Atlas cared for their seven children by feeding them from her garden, making daily home cooked meals, preparing their clothes for school, making sure every child’s need was met in every way, and always having her family present and accounted for at every church service. 

As their children grew, together, Charles and Atlas farmed Christmas trees, tobacco, and continued raising a garden, all while owning and operating Charlie’s General Store. They were quite a team.

Left to cherish the memory of their devoted mother are her children: Sharrol Hensley (George), Mike Hughes (Debbie), Rickey Hughes (Cheryl), Mark Hughes (Alisa), Loretta Hutto (Marc), Rhonda Phillips (Keynan), and Beth Bridges (Michael). Atlas was Mammaw to 15 grandchildren, Chad Hensley, Brian Hensley, Michelle Collis, Curtis Hughes, Nikki Orndoff, Gerry Hughes, Daniel Hughes, April Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Ali Garrett, Katie Martin, Dillon Phillips, Thomas Phillips, Bella Bridges, and Gabby Bridges, 32 great grandchildren, one great -great grandchild, and each one would tell you they were her favorite. 

Atlas also doted on her loving siblings, Gene Peterson (Clara), Etta Murphy (Dean), Alice Whitson (Hugh), and the late Buster Peterson (Florence) and Lorene Adkins (Willis). Atlas would also want to extend her love to all of her in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family was extensive and she loved each one. 

Even with so many children and grandchildren, Atlas was dedicated to honoring their birthdays, baby showers, graduations, etc. She endeavored to mark every occasion that was special to her children and grandchildren by letting them know what was important to them, was important to her. They each one have felt and known her love. 

At the young age of 81, Atlas took her first airplane trip to NYC, with all of her daughters. It was the trip of a lifetime, not because of the destination, but because of the adventure they were able to enjoy together. Atlas continued her travels with her daughters into her 90’s. She was the perfect travel companion. She loved to laugh, enjoy life, and it was just a blessing to be in her presence. 

Atlas loved and enjoyed entertaining visitors. Especially, her grandchildren. In recent years, when you found Atlas often at home, a visit probably resulted in a look at her flowers, an offer of a sweet treat or meal, and a dig through a cabinet for a treasure. No one ever left empty handed, and you certainly left with a full heart. 

Momma, until we see you again, we will be missing you every moment.

Atlas’s family will receive friends Tuesday March 18, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Bailey House Church. Reverend Reed Bagby and Reverend Keith Miller will officiate the 6:00 p.m. funeral service. Her family will attend a private committal service with her grandson Reverend Chad Hensley officiating in the Huntdale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Chad Hensley, Brian Hensley, Curtis Hughes, Gerry Hughes, Daniel Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Dillon Phillips, and Thomas Phillips.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Hughes family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Hughes family. (423) 743-1380.

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