Flora Hughes McDuffie

Danville, VA. -  On September 1, 2023, at the blessed age of 101, Flora Hughes Stewart McDuffie peacefully departed a life well lived.

Flora was born on July 5, 1922, in Milton, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late George and Annie Hughes. Flora was educated in the Caswell County School System in North Carolina and worked as a beautician and at Dan River Mills in Danville, Virginia.

Flora joined New Haven Baptist Church at age 11, and over the years she faithfully served in various capacities such as a missionary, secretary of Sunday School, member of the senior choir, head of the kitchen committee, and Mother of the church.

Flora married Harvey Stewart and to this union, Diane and Charles were born. Flora later married Adam McDuffie. Both husbands predeceased her.

In addition to her children, Diane Clements of Danville, Va., and Charles Stewart (Lisa) of W. Richland, Wa., she also leaves grandchildren, Diron Clements (Justine Dunlap) of Danville, Angela C. Johnson (Maurice) of Annandale, Va., Bryce and Travis Stewart of W. Richland, and great-grandchildren Riley and Cole Clements of Danville, Maya and Reece Johnson of Annandale, and Delaeo, Donovan, and Ra Stewart of W. Richland.

Flora also leaves a loving brother, Paul Herman Hughes, a stepson, Rudolph McDuffie (Laverne), stepgrandsons, Berkeley and Chris McDuffie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Flora was predeceased by four sisters, Elizabeth Pratt, Mabel Davis, Jerleane Allen, and Annie Mae Miller. She was predeceased by nine brothers, Marcellus Lee, Warner, Adolphus, George, Edward, James, Irvin, Berk, and Clyde Hughes. Flora was also predeceased by a loving son-in-law, Ronald J. Clements, a stepson, Charles McDuffie, and a step-granddaughter, Cherita McDuffie.

Over her lifetime, Flora was blessed with many people that loved her and cared for her. She had a special connection with her niece and namesake, Flora Flossie Seale, often reflecting on how much Flossie reminded her of her beloved sister Jerleane. Flora also adored Annie J. Dickerson and regarded her as her second daughter. For over 50 years, Annie showed her love and support in immeasurable ways. For this, Flora and her family are forever grateful. Flora was also blessed with the love of a bonus granddaughter, Tameka Walker and great-grandson, D’Angelo Stines who came into her life and provided a constant source of love and support through the end.

God placed extraordinary people in Flora’s life when she needed them most. Flora had a deep admiration and appreciation for her pastor, Rev. David Barnett. Rev. Barnett is a true leader who demonstrated Christian love and support at every step of Flora’s journey. Rev. Barnett’s care has left an indelible impact on our family. During Flora’s final chapter, Jennifer Jones stepped in as a caretaker offering her home, comfort, and compassion to Flora and her family. Flora and Jennifer opened their hearts to one another immediately, and Jennifer will remain a beloved family member to us all.

Flora believed that when people love you, they give you things. She wasn’t referring to material things, instead, she was referring to their love, time, support, and presence. Flora cherished all her friends and family for the myriad of ways they gave her proverbial flowers while she was living. She beamed with every visit, phone call, card, ride to church, bouquet, shared meal, freshly picked vegetable, carton of ice cream, favorite snack, and seafood plate her loved ones provided her when she was sick as well as when she was healthy.

We will remember Flora for her delicious cooking and baking, especially her chicken salad and chocolate pies, but her best recipe was a loving heart, a generous spirit, and compassion for all. She taught us how to be strong by example and proved that there could never be a more supportive mother than Flora. We will also remember Flora’s keen sense of humor, which we jokingly referred to as “Flora After Dark.” When the sun set, all the guests were gone, and all was quiet, we would curl up on bed together to joke around and create hilarious memories that will be etched into our hearts forever.

Flora embraced death graciously, with acceptance and assurance. She was grateful for the life God granted her, and she was firm in her faith. So, when our hearts are heavy and we can’t see through eyes full of tears, we will remember the fun moments and the unconditional love that we experienced through her throughout our lives. Having Flora for 101 years does not lessen the pain of losing her, but we were so blessed to have had such a compassionate, loving, and caring person in our lives, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Flora – we love you a bushel, a peck, and a hug around the neck. And we always will.

Public viewing will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023; from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the John and Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home. 

Funeral Services for Mrs. Flora Hughes Stewart McDuffie will be Wednesday, September 06, 2023; 12Noon at New Haven Baptist Church.  Pastor David Barnett will deliver the words of comfort. Interment will follow in the New Haven Baptist Church Cemetery Milton, NC.

You are invited to attend services for Mrs. Flora Hughes Stewart McDuffie virtually by clicking on the following link:

Mrs. Flora Hughes McDuffie (Funeral Services)

Should Live Streaming not be available due to certain conditions resulting from rural location with little to no Broadband connection, no WIFI signal and or little to no cellular coverage, we will record the services of your loved one in its entirety and post a link where you will be able to partake in the services within 48 hours.

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