Mrs. Delvia Ovita Roberts Hughes
December 29, 1955 – March 4, 2024
Delvia made her grand entrance into the world in typical diva fashion, on her time and on her terms. Born at home to the late Mr. Clennon Roberts and the late Mrs. Louise Lacy Roberts on December 29, 1955 in Huntsville, AL. Delvia would spend her early years in the Council Court neighborhood, along with her brother, the late Mr. Larry T. Roberts. As a child, Delvia was an avid reader, an exceptional writer and maintained a voracious appetite for knowledge, that would remain throughout her lifetime.
Proverbs 22:6 says “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Being the daughter of two founding members of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, the love of God was instilled in her at an early age. Delvia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the tender age of 7 and was baptized by the late Rev. Sam Whitman on July 11, 1963. Her love of God and faith in His works would be passed down to her children and grandchildren.
Delvia was formally educated in the Huntsville City School system, having attended Calvary Hill Elementary School, Ed White Middle School and S.R. Butler High School, graduating in 1974. It was at Calvary Hill, where Delvia would meet the love of her life, Clifford; and they would marry years later.
Delvia began her college studies on “The Hill” of Alabama A&M University in 1974, majoring in Early Childhood Development. It was during this time she would marry her best friend and stay true to Genesis 1:28, “be fruitful and multiply.” This union produced 5 loving children.
Upon completion of her studies, she would go on to work as an educator in the Huntsville City School System, a career that would span over 3 decades. During her tenure, she would serve many roles at her beloved Davis Hills Middle School including cheer coach, dance team coach and the official, unofficial hype-man of every game and pep rally. She was known for her boisterous chant of “Whose House?!”
Being a mother of 5 and an educator meant knowing and loving hundreds of children, and she was known as “Momma Hughes” to them all. She has welcomed many children into her home. She loved to cook and you were guaranteed a good meal, a warm hug, lots of laughs and unsolicited advice, you didn’t know you needed, before you left her home.
In a quest to quench her thirst for knowledge and proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, Delvia decided to go back to school and pursue a second degree. A few weeks before her 50th birthday, Delvia graduated from Faulkner University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Even with this shift in career focus, her love for children led her to work in the Neaves-Davis Detention Center where she advocated and prayed for the youth there.
Delvia was a faithful and active member of her home church, having dedicated countless hours to the numerous ministries and committees she served on. Those ministries included being a strong tenor in the Mass Choir, Mass Ensemble and the Voices of Praise where she would lead her favorite song, “Jesus is Real.” She was also a member of the Women’s Ministry, Music Ministry, Benevolence Ministry and the Nurse’s Guild. Delvia also served numerous stints as Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School instructor & also served as the Director of the Child Development Center. She was probably best known as “The Voice” of Progressive Union, as she would read the weekly announcements every Sunday for over 20 years.
Delvia was a strong advocate for her community and never missed an opportunity to serve, in any capacity she could, embodying the spirit of servant leadership. She was a member of several groups and organizations focused on empowerment and selfless service, such as the Huntsville Chapter of The NAACP, The Order of the Eastern Star and her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
Delvia will always be remembered as a “Diva” with a jovial spirit, beautiful smile, positive attitude and an undeniable, unshakeable faith in her Creator. Throughout her battles with her health, she never ceased to give God all of the glory and honor, for she knew He alone was the author and finisher of her faith. She understood God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and strong she was.
Delvia fought and won her battle against the troubles of this world and gained her victory on March 4, 2024. Her laughter, unmatched sense of humor, compassion and prayers will forever be cherished by her family, friends and all who knew her.
Those left behind to carry on her legacy include her husband and best friend of over 50 years, Clifford Lee Hughes. Five children: Clennon DeRoss, Stockton, CA; Sitonio LeVar (Rachel), Huntsville, AL Clifford Tremayne (Rashida) McCalla, AL; Jarniqua Chimere, Huntsville, AL; Alaric Brendan (Jasmine), Mt. Juliet, TN. Eight grandchildren Christopher Taylor, Christian Jaeiyon, Ian Cayden, JaKhari Dailon, Aiden Tremayne, Laila Simone, Jailyn Diari. Special friends Sandra Frierson, Jackie Pope, Barbara Mason, Howard Gaines and family. Goddaughter Demetra Hereford and countless relatives, coworkers and friends. She was reunited with her Granddaughter, Amaya Faith who preceded her in death.
All is well.
The funeral service for Mrs. Delvia Ovita Roberts Hughes will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church (1919 Brandontown Road Huntsville, Al 35816) with Pastor Dion Watkins officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Mrs. Hughes will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Hughes family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Royal Chapel of Memories. The Omega Omega Service of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, and 8:30 until 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 10, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
