Mary Helen Gibson Hughes Cole Hines, born on June 13, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, in Mascotte, Florida. She was adopted by David Byers Gibson and Helen Gibson and raised in Miami, Florida, where she attended Catholic schools and was brought up in the Catholic faith.
In 1954, Mary Helen married her first husband, Fred Spencer Hughes Sr., who adopted her daughter, Helen Marie. Together, they had four additional children. Later, in 1966, she married Clarence Lee Cole Sr., who adopted her son Lee Cole. Mary Helen and Clarence also welcomed two more children into their family.
Mary Helen was a woman of warmth and generosity who never met a stranger. She was always quick to lend a helping hand and brought kindness to every interaction. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Spencer Hughes Sr.; her daughter, Helen Marie Hughes Crumpton; and her son, Audie Ray Hughes. She is survived by her son-in-law Malley Joe Crumpton Sr.; her children Fred Spencer Hughes Jr., Terry Lynn Hughes, Cylinda Sue Hughes, Clarence Lee Cole Jr., Mildred H.D. Cole, and Dora Louise Cole; as well as 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Mary Helen’s legacy of love and compassion lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.