Martha Judy Kay Duty Chaney Hughes, affectionately known as "Cookie," passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, November 29, 2024, at Medical City Hospital in Plano, Texas, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 74 years old. Her passing marks the end of a life filled with love, faith, service, and strength, but also the beginning of an enduring legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Born on June 26, 1950, in Sherman, Texas, Cookie was the beloved daughter of Pascal L. (Erma Ella Duty) Chaney and Nelson H. (Troy Robinson) Mask. She was raised in a close-knit family, where the values of love, faith, and community were deeply instilled in her. Cookie graduated from Sherman High School in 1968, where she was part of the first graduating class after the desegregation of schools in Sherman. This momentous achievement marked an important milestone in her life, as she became a trailblazer in a new chapter of education and equality. During her high school years, Cookie made lifelong friendships and began to carve out a path that would define her life—one grounded in devotion to family, hard work, and faith in God.

From an early age, Cookie felt the call of faith in her life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young girl and was an active member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas, where she worshiped, prayed, and served until her failing health. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through both the joyous and difficult moments of life with grace and humility. Cookie's deep love for God was always evident in the way she treated others—with kindness, patience, and compassion. She was known to many as a faithful member of Choir, Mission III, and Hospitality Committee, whose presence in church was a constant reminder of her unwavering belief in the power of prayer.

In 1970, Cookie married Larry Laverne Hughes, the love of her life. Together, they raised two children: Ricky R. Hughes and Benita K. Hughes. Cookie was a devoted mother who poured her heart and soul into raising her children. She instilled in them the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of faith. Cookie's love for her children knew no bounds, and she was always there to support them, guide them, and celebrate their successes.

As a working mother, Cookie was determined to provide for her family. She worked for many years at Oscar Mayer in Sherman, Texas, where she became known not only for her work ethic but also for her warm personality and generosity. Her colleagues remember her as a kind and dependable coworker who always had a smile on her face. After her retirement, she took great joy in spending time with her family and friends, but she never stopped caring for others. Cookie was always the first to offer help to anyone in need, whether it was a kind word, a meal, or a listening ear. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives.

Cookie's love for life extended beyond her devotion to family and faith. She was known for her love of dancing and hosting parties, where she brought joy and energy to every gathering. Whether it was a family reunion, holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, Cookie's infectious laughter, warm spirit, and dance moves made every event memorable. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. Her doors were always open, and there was always room at her table for friends and family in need of love, comfort, or a good meal. Her ability to make everyone feel like family, no matter who they were, was one of her most cherished gifts.

Cookie shared a special love for her nieces and nephews, who were like her own children. She treasured each of them dearly and poured her heart into their lives, offering guidance, love, and support whenever they needed it. Her relationship with them was filled with joy and deep affection, and they will always carry her memory in their hearts.

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Pascal L. (Erma Ella Duty) Chaney, and Nelson H. (Troy Robinson) Mask; her beloved husband, Larry L. Hughes; her daughter, Benita K. Hughes; twin great-grandchildren, Terriel N. and Terriana M. Hughes; her siblings, Arthur R. Mask, Nelson H. Mask, Jr., Edmond Chaney, Raymond Cunningham, Florene Briscoe, Erma Priscilla Mask, and Linda D. Nickerson. She was also preceded in death by several beloved extended family members who shared her love for life and her faith.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Hughes, whose admiration and love for his mother were immeasurable; her grandchildren, Terrell R. Hughes, LaQuisha L. Hines, Alexis V. Taylor, and Stephen V. Taylor, Jr., all of whom were the light of her life; and her great-grandchildren, Tatyana Bolden, Marhiana N. Hughes, Ivyleeana K. Hughes, Guilianna A. Hughes, Averianna K. Hughes, and Ellianna Brenae Hughes, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brothers, Levi Chaney, Jerry Duty, and James Cravens, whose bond with Cookie was unbreakable. Additionally, she is survived by her aunt, Barbara Ann Chaney Reed, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends who will cherish her memory and carry her spirit with them forever.

Cookie was not only a loving mother, grandmother, and sister, but she was a cherished friend to so many. Her humor, warmth, and infectious laughter filled every room she entered, and her positive outlook on life was contagious. Even in the face of life's challenges, Cookie remained steadfast in her faith, always trusting that God had a purpose for every season of her life. She was a woman of deep compassion, a fierce protector of her loved ones, and a living testament to the power of grace, love, and faith.

Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to God, family, and friends. Cookie taught us all the importance of staying grounded in faith, caring for one another, and living a life full of purpose and love. Her spirit will continue to live on through the lives of those she touched, and her memory will forever be a source of comfort and strength to her family and friends.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, December 13th, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Waldo Funeral Home, located at 619 N. Travis St., Sherman, Texas. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, December 14th, at 11:00 am at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1101 East Houston Street, Sherman, Texas. All who knew and loved Cookie are invited to join the family in honoring her life and legacy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home of Sherman.

You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.