Eloise Bates Hughes

Marion Eloise Bates Hughes, 83, of Cross Hill, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood. Born in Spartanburg, SC, on January 20, 1942, Eloise was the daughter of Victor and Margaret Bates.

Eloise graduated from Northwest Classed High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and from Spartanburg General Hospital's School of Nursing in Spartanburg, SC. Eloise married Melvin Earle Hughes on Oct. 17, 1962, and they had two children, Eric Melvin Hughes and Katrina Hughes Vaillancourt.

Eloise was an accomplished musician who loved life! In her earlier years she played the cello in the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra. She loved music, and she loved to shag! She was a member of First Baptist Church of Laurens, where she was an active member of the Cain Sunday School Class, the Sanctuary Choir, the senior adult group called CWA's (Comfortable with Age), and Better Together, a support group for men and women who are widows and widowers. Eloise also loved her lake life and was often seen on the lake riding her jet ski!

In addition to her parents, Eloise was predeceased by her husband Melvin, and her son, Eric. Surviving are her special friend and companion, Doug Hansard, her daughter, Katrina Vaillancourt, her daughter-in-law, Chona Hughes, her granddaughters Amanda Kellett, Jennifer Reeves (Rob), Amy Sayler (Tony), and her grandson, Joshua Hughes. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Nancy Stewart.

A memorial service for Eloise will be held on Thursday October 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Laurens, conducted by Rev. Tim Marsh and Rev. Adair Rogers.

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, 300 W. Main St. Laurens, SC 29360

In loving memory of Eloise, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many, we invite family and friends to celebrate her memory through a heartfelt Tribute Tune entitled “She Loved to Shag." This composition, curated by her closest friends and family, encapsulates Eloise’s passion for life. In this moment of remembrance, let the music resonate and inspire us to carry forth her light. To honor Eloise’s memory and to experience the beauty of this tribute, please click here, "She Loved to Shag" to listen.