Ombra Lucille Hughes

Ombra Lucille (Barrow) Hughes went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026. After a brief battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully with her loving children by her side.

Ombra was born January 29, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Oda S. Barrow and Laura Tackett Barrow. Her family moved to Tyler when she was 10 years old. After tragically losing her father in a plane crash at the age of 13, she stepped up to help her mother raise her younger siblings. This experience shaped the strength, compassion, and servant's heart that would define her life.

She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, where she participated in drama and was a majorette. She later worked for P.G. Lake Oil Company in downtown Tyler's Fair Foundation Building, where she met the love of her life, William M. "Bill" Hughes.

Ombra and Bill married in 1966 and shared 54 lively years together. Alongside her larger-than-life husband, Ombra was the steady presence at the heart of their family. She was devoted to raising their children and deeply involved in her church and community. She was a proud football mom to her son, Bo. In 1986, she embraced her role as "Queen Mom" when her daughter, Marla Hughes Reeder, reigned as Queen of the 53rd Texas Rose Festival.

Ombra devoted decades to serving her community. She joined the Junior League of Tyler in 1971 and served in many leadership roles, including president of the League in 1980-81. In 1976, she and Bill led the charge to establish All Saints Episcopal School, whose first administrative office operated from their breakfast room. She later joined the school's Board of Trustees and wore many hats to help the school grow. In the 1990s, she also served on the East Texas Food Bank Board of Directors. Her dedication to volunteerism was recognized with the Gertrude Windsor Volunteer of the Year Award in 1998.

Ombra's faith and her beloved First Christian Church were at the heart of her life. For more than 60 years, she gave her time and talents to the church in numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board, Deacon, Elder, Elder Emeritus, Chancel Choir President, and more.

Above all, Ombra treasured being Mom and "Honey" to her children and five grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. A devoted "Prayer Warrior," Ombra leaves a legacy of faith, love, stewardship, leadership, humility, and a servant's heart. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church more than words can express. Ombra Hughes was truly one of a kind, and all who knew her were better for it.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:21

Ombra is survived by her daughter, Marla Hughes Reeder and husband, Scott; her son, William Barrow "Bo" Hughes and wife, Kim; grandchildren, Grant Reeder, Rachel Reeder, Lucy Hughes, Reagan Hughes, and Marshall Hughes; brothers- and sisters-in-law, John and Dianne Hughes of Fort Worth, Texas, and Bobby and Jan Hughes of Fort Myers, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ombra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Moores "Bill" Hughes; her parents, Oda S. Barrow and Laura Tackett Barrow; her brother, William "Roger" Barrow; her in-laws, Kernel and Marvolyn Hughes; and many other family members and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Knowles, Merwyn Pickle, Ron Schoenbrun, Tom Schoenbrun, Brad Brush, Joey Braly, Larry Gilliam, Jeff Billings, Kyle Hill, and Tim Hunt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church Music Department, 4202 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75701, or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.