Mary Josephine Collins Hughes

Mary Josephine Collins Hughes, 88, a beloved resident of College Station, Texas, passed away on August 16th, 2023, her daughter Julia at her side.

Affectionately known as Mary Jo, she was born on November 2, 1934, in Teague, Texas, to Lawrence and Minnie Collins. She was the second youngest among her siblings and maintained strong bonds with her 6 brothers and sister throughout her life. Preceding her in death were her siblings Howard Collins, Barbara Charanza, Sharon Collins, George Collins, Ernest “Happy” Collins, Johnny Collins, and Richard Collins.

Mary Jo’s early career began as a telephone operator in Houston, Texas, where she discovered joy in singing with her female co-workers in a choir. Upon relocating to Austin, she dedicated 30 years to working at The State Plumbing Board. She had a passion for church activities, entertaining guests, dancing at Donn’s Depot and The Broken Spoke, gardening, indulging in ice-cold Dr. Pepper, engaging in card games with family, and observing the birds in her backyard. Her heavenly meringue pies and cherished pinto beans and cornbread will be profoundly missed. Mary Jo was renowned for her hospitality; the moment you entered her home, she graciously offered refreshments. Even as her memory faded, her warm welcome remained unwavering. She held deep affection for her family and numerous friends, who reciprocated her love and adoration.

Mary Jo’s life was characterized by her unwavering devotion to God.

During her retirement years in Hilltop Lakes, Texas, she encountered and later married Mr. Ed Hughes, her devoted husband for 16 years. A steadfast member of the Hilltop Lakes Chapel, and the Normangee Methodist Church, Mary Jo faithfully served as a Stephen’s Minister for years. She is also a member of the Normangee Chapter 87 Order of the Eastern Star. She and Ed relocated to College Station, Texas, in 2019 to be closer to their cherished family.

Mary Jo’s legacy lives on through her beloved husband Ed, her son Grady Pennell Jr. and his wife Pat Pennell of College Station, her daughter Julia Pennell of Snook, her son Jeff Pennell and his wife Hellen of Austin, grandsons Grady Pennell III, Avery Waggoner, Josh Pennell, Riley Pennell, granddaughters Amber Medrano, Ashley Braden, Ava Pennell, Hannah Pennell as well as seven great-granddaughters, three great- grandsons, and three great-great-children.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Peach Creek Assisted Living, who provided Mary Jo with exceptional care during her final months. Special gratitude to Ed and his sister Anne Cochran, who provided Mary Jo with home health care late into life, enabling her to age gracefully and comfortably at home with a view of her beloved garden and birds.