Coe Ann Dillingham Hughes

WEAVERVILLE—Coe Ann Dillingham Hughes, age 81, of Weaverville, died Monday, December 24, 2012. She was a native of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Leonard and Charm Lee Dillingham. Her beloved husband of 56 years, Harry Neville Hughes; sisters, Polly Sica and Betty Lollar; and brothers, Leonard, Bill, Eddy, and Larry Dillingham also preceded her in death. Coe Ann, a graduate of Woodfin High and Blanton's Business College of Asheville, later worked as a long distance operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company. In 1951 she married Harry Neville Hughes who was stationed at the Memphis Naval Hospital. Coe Ann enrolled at the MTD College in Hayward, Calif., where she earned her diploma in medical technology and procedures. She worked at the Oakland Naval Hospital for several years. After retirement they moved back to North Carolina. In 2001 she had her memoir of growing up in the 30s, The Towheads, published. Her recent book, I'd Follow Him Anywhere, a historical romance of the years as a military housewife, was published in 2012. Surviving are her daughter, Linda Hughes Orr, and grandchildren, Jewell and Thorson Orr, all of Sedro Woolley, Wash. Other loved ones are the many nieces and nephews. Private family graveside burial was held at West Memorial Park on Friday, December 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dolph Robinson officiating. To those who desire to make memorials, consider the Muscular Dystrophy Association-USA National Headquarters, 3300 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ 85718. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Hughes' obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.