Mary Dale Arnold Hughes was born in Savannah, GA, on December 1, 1931, and joined the heavenly choir on June 20,2023.  A born entertainer – singer, dancer, and life of the party, she is survived by her daughters, Vickie Krutzer (Bill), Monroe, LA, Dorris Bishop (Richard), Columbus, GA, Star Burnett (Bill), Rumson, NJ, and Page King (Brady), Monroe, LA; sons, Chris Pappas, Atlanta, GA, and Jeff Hughes, Madison, VA; grandchildren, Tori Krutzer Fisher (Kirk), Monroe, LA, Zach Bishop (Ryan Heath), Brooklyn, NY, Katie Bishop and fiancé Joseph Berger, Columbus, GA, Kyle Burnett and Alex Burnett, Rumson, NJ, Nicholas Pappas, Gabriella Pappas and Isabella Pappas, Atlanta, GA, Connor King, Ian King, Cameron King, Patrick King, Monroe, LA; great grandchildren, Liam Fisher and Holden Fisher, Monroe LA, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Col. (Ret) Joe B. Hughes, parents Dorris Starnes and George Millard Arnold, brothers, George and John Arnold and  sisters, Ellen Cottrell and Nina Zipperer.

Mary Dale was known for her sweet smile, an innate ability to spread kindness, and the willingness to always lend a helping hand.  She loved volunteering her time to the community and her church.  One of her greatest attributes was that she led by example.  She raised her children to love family, the Lord, the value of friendships and the joy found in doing for others.  In addition  to singing in the church choir and helping with youth ministries, Mary Dale’s passion was volunteering at the Mighty Eight Museum in Savannah, GA, where she was often asked to sing the National Anthem or lead the Armed Force singalongs.

Without a doubt Mary Dale was a performer, and, with a song in her heart, Mary Dale danced her way through life.  She never missed an opportunity to entertain.  Her dance moves were almost as unforgettable as her stories!  Give her a stage and a mic and you always were in for a show!

Mary Dale lived life to the fullest and was always up for an adventure.  She enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, golfing, horseback riding, and especially traveling across the USA with her love, Joe Bob, in their motorhome.  She always collected rocks from every state to share with the grandchildren.  Her travels may have taken her all over the country, and, although she spent her last years in Louisiana,  Georgia was always on her mind.

An uncanny ability to never meet a stranger made her life journey so very special.   With her golf cap on and her pocket book in hand, Mary Dale was truly a force to be reckoned with. She has been described as a hoot, a pistol,  and a scene stealer, but, in her defense, she was just someone who loved life and sharing that joy with others.  Whether it was her famous homemade jellies, Juicy Fruit gum or Ricola cough drops, Mary Dale– aka Mama,  Granny Dale and Yaya—was always giving. It is why she will be so sorely missed.  Rainbows forever, Mama.

The family would like to thank the staff at Azalea Estates for their loving care and friendship.

Memorials may be made to The Bethesda Academy (Bethesda Home for Boys), Savannah, GA, Asbury Memorial Methodist Church, Savannah, GA, and Strauss Theatre Center, Monroe, LA.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Savannah, GA.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

Monroe, LA

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