05/17/2026
Today, we pause with heavy hearts as we honor the life and legacy of our beloved Dove Soror Alforetta Hughes, who entered eternal rest on May 16, 2026.
To simply call Soror Hughes a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. would never fully capture who she was. She was a pillar. A protector. A mentor. A praying woman. A teacher. A nurturer. A safe place. For so many, she became family.
For decades, Soror Hughes poured into the lives of countless students, sorors, coworkers, church members, and community members throughout Wilberforce, Xenia, and beyond. Long before titles and awards, she was the woman who wrapped her arms around young people trying to find their way and reminded them they belonged. She guided generations of students through college, sisterhood, life decisions, hardships, and growth with wisdom, honesty, accountability, and love.
Many have shared today that she “took them in as her own.” Others remembered that she always knew exactly when to encourage you, correct you, pray for you, or simply love you through whatever season you were facing. She was the kind of woman whose presence made people feel covered.
Born on October 3, 1933, in Ashland, Kentucky, Soror Hughes lived a life rooted in faith, education, service, and community. She earned her degree from Wilberforce University in 1970 and dedicated more than 30 years of service to the institution she loved so dearly. Even after retirement, she continued serving students through the Xenia City School system, because serving others was never just a job to her—it was her calling.
Soror Hughes was a charter member of Gamma Epsilon Chapter at Wilberforce University on November 3, 1973, and later a charter member of Xi Beta Zeta Chapter on February 5, 1988. Through Xi Beta Zeta, she continued the mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as a professional woman committed to uplifting her community through service, scholarship, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
As an Undergraduate Advisor, Soror Hughes mentored and guided thousands of young women throughout their collegiate journeys and beyond. Many women today proudly stand as leaders, educators, professionals, mothers, and community servants because she first believed in them. She opened doors, helped students access scholarships and opportunities to attend college, and constantly reminded young people that excellence was within their reach.
Her service extended into every area of life. She championed Zeta initiatives such as Z-HOPE, March of Dimes, and Stork’s Nest. She organized food baskets for families during the holidays. She faithfully served at United AME Church in Xenia, Ohio. She balanced motherhood, mentorship, faith, professional excellence, and service with remarkable grace.
But perhaps her greatest title was simply this: she loved people well.
Soror Hughes was a mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, mentor, and source of strength to so many. She represented a generation of Black women whose sacrifices built pathways for others to walk through. She carried herself with dignity, wisdom, humor, and warmth, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live through every life she touched.
Today, we celebrate a life that was beautifully lived in service to others.
Rest well, Dove Soror Alforetta Hughes.
Thank you for covering generations with your wisdom, your faith, your discipline, and your love.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 💙🕊️
