Lytha Dean Smith Hughes, 86, of Franklin, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Jewel and Gertrude Hall Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry “Tom” Smith; infant brother, Billy; brother in laws, Gordon Baker and Clem Henry; stepsister, Judy Wyatt; and stepmother, Louise Smith. Lytha dedicated her life to nurturing others—whether through her work, her faith, or her family. She retired from Macon County Schools, where she served as the beloved cafeteria manager at Iotla School, and was a proud member of Burningtown Baptist Church.

In the 1970s, Lytha owned and operated Cato of Franklin, bringing style and warmth to her community. She found joy in baking, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored. Known as a mother to her siblings and a mother figure to many, her kindness and generosity touched countless lives.

Lytha loved camping at Ho-Hum in Hayesville and was a spirited square dance enthusiast, performing with a western team that brought her great delight.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Willie “Billy” Hughes; her children, Jerri Lequire (Vester), Sherrie Rankin, and Terri Tallent (Gary); grandchildren, Blake Sheffield (Becca), Jake Tallent (Lindsay), Jared Tallent (Chelsey), Megan Keener (Jonathan), and Jonathan Lequire (Jessica); great-grandchildren, Aislynn Wyatt (Luck), Joshua Keener, Isaac Keener, and Xavier Lequire; and siblings, Juanita Baker, Linda Henry, Bill Smith, Pam Ledford (Steve), and Jackie Beck (Larry). She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Also surviving are special friends and caregivers, Pauline and Jackie.

Special thanks to Dr. Helm and his staff and Four Seasons Hospice for the care they have provided.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 18th, from 11am-12pm at Macon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 12pm in the Chapel. Reverend Brandon Crone will officiate. Burial will take place at Burningtown Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blake Sheffield, Jake Tallent, Jared Tallent, Dustin Pendergrass, Peyton Wood, Mark Doolittle, and Jason Smith.

Lytha’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Burningtown Baptist Church or Four Seasons Hospice.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.