Obituary of Loyce Gates Hughes

Loyce Gates Hughes entered the gates of Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 91. She is the loving wife of the late Wilton “Brother” Hughes for 54 years; beloved mother of Valerie Hilkirk Landry and Daniel Gates Hughes of Slidell, Louisiana; deeply loved and cherished grandmother of Amy K. Hilkirk, Julie P. Smith (Chris), Megan D. Essick (Scott) and Hunter D. Hilkirk (Kyra); and cherished great-grandmother of Brandon R. Even, Zoe G. Essick, Abigail J. Essick, and Benjamin R. Even. Additionally, she was so blessed to be great-great-grandmother to Eowyn F. Hilkirk and Aurora J. Hilkirk.

Loyce was the last surviving sibling of Wildon J. Clark, Clement R. Clark, Cleta C. Crawford, Doris G. Dickey, Velda G. Brock, Daniel Curtis Gates, and Bobby R. Gates.

Loyce was born and raised by Daniel Curtis Gates and Wilma Fortinberry Gates of Spring Creek, Louisiana.  After she married, she relocated to St. Bernard Parish, where she was a dedicated member of Chalmette Baptist Church for many years. Loyce enjoyed traveling with her “Senior” group to many places in the United States. She moved to Slidell, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, where she became a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church.  Loyce will fondly be remembered as the glue that held her family together and they will miss her with all their hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided by River Life Fellowship Church after the service. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana. Pastor Mike Lairsey will be officiating the services.  Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com