Esther Leah McGougan Hughes: Tabor City

    Esther Leah McGougan Hughes of Tabor City, died Monday, Aug. 19, in New Hanover House, Wilmington. She was 89.
    She was born on April 19, 1924 to Duncan Frank McGougan and Dula Allsbrook McGougan at the McGougan House in Tabor City.  She was the last living sibling of 10 children and the widow of Don Hughes.
    Esther graduated from Tabor City High School and attended East Carolina Teachers College. She worked most of her early life in Tabor City as a teacher’s assistant, bookkeeper for Prince Motor Company and secretary for the Tabor City Chamber of Commerce. Esther never got a driver’s license and walked everywhere, as much as 11 miles in a day. She was a member of Tabor City Baptist Church.
    She is survived by her daughter Donna Leah Hughes Sanders (Rod) of Myrtle Beach, and her sons John McGougan Hughes (Judy) of Jacksonville, Fla. and Charles Rockwell Hughes of Seneca; her grandchildren,  Donald Sanders, Hughes Sanders, David Hughes, Daniel Hughes  and Nora Hughes Blankenship.
     A graveside service was planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 in Myrtle Green Cemetery, Stake Road, Tabor City. The family planned to receive friends following the service.
    In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to: Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
    A guestbook is available at here.