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Her compassion and unwavering support were constants for those she cherished most.

With broken hearts we announce that Rita F. Pratt Hughes passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of love, devotion, and kindness. Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on October 26, 1964, Rita illuminated every room she entered with warmth, and her gentle spirit.

Rita’s journey in this world touched the lives of many—her compassion and unwavering support were constants for those she cherished most. She was the beloved wife of Lavance Hughes, Jr., who stood by her side in every season of life. Together they built a family and shared memories that will forever be treasures.

She was a devoted mother to Lavance Hughes III (Robin), Heather Hughes, Santana (Daniel) Oransky, and Troy Hughes. Rita was also a proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren and her mother, Vickie Jackson Pratt. Her love embraced not just her immediate family, but extended to her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews—connections she valued deeply and tended to with remarkable care.

Rita’s heart was shaped first by her loving parents. She is survived by her mother, Vickie Jackson Pratt, whose lessons in grace and fortitude guided Rita through life’s joys and challenges. Rita’s father, Alvoid Pratt, preceded her in death, and her granddaughter, Nevah Hughes. Their memories remained gentle anchors in Rita’s own journey, and the bond she shared with them was a wellspring of quiet strength.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Rita remember her not only for the roles she held but for the way she lived—with empathy, honesty, and a deep, abiding faith in the goodness of people. She gave selflessly, celebrated others’ accomplishments, and lent a helping hand whenever needed. Her laughter was a balm, her hugs a safe harbor, and her listening ear—always available—made the world seem lighter.

The sorrow of her loss is measured only by the love she so freely gave. Family and friends now gather in the light of her memory, honoring the story she wrote through the life she led—a story of hope, kindness, courage, and the quiet triumph of day-to-day love. As we say goodbye, we hold fast to Rita’s legacy, finding comfort in the sweet remembrances and the enduring bonds she cultivated.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, 1012 Whitman Street, Orangeburg. Her funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Scott Family Cemetery in Holly Hill, S.C. Pastor Christopher Myles will be officiating. 

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Troy Hughes, Daniel Oransky, Daniel Oransky, Jr., Pedro Rivera, Gregory Crummie, Lavance Hughes, IV, Brandon Huckabee and Demetrius King.

Rita F. Hughes will live on in the countless hearts she touched, her memory a blessing that will continue to shine with each passing day.