Martha Verlon Rainey McHugh

Martha Verlon Rainey McHugh, age 97, of Ashburn quietly passed away early in the morning, May 15, 2025, after an extended illness.

Mrs. McHugh was born on July 27, 1927, to the late Benjamin Franklin Rainey and Selma Mae Cleghorn Rainey. She grew up in their large family on the Rainey family farm in the Amboy community and in the Amboy Baptist Church. She graduated from Rebecca High School in 1944.

Mrs. McHugh married James Charles McHugh, Sr. on October 29, 1946, and they were married for 61 years. After they married, they moved to Macon, Georgia, where they lived until they moved back to Turner County in 1992. Mr. McHugh passed away at the age of 93 on February 29, 2008.

Mrs. McHugh was a member of Ashburn First Baptist Church and loved attending her Sunday School class and the other services until her health prevented her from attending. She was known for being an immaculate housekeeper and amazing cook, and she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. McHugh was preceded in death by all of her siblings: brothers Robert, John, Harry, Daniel, and David Rainey and sisters Ruby Rainey Ware, Mae Rainey Ashley, and Norma Rainey Austin.

Survivors include her devoted son and daughter-in-law, James Charles (Jim) McHugh, Jr. and Virginia Wells McHugh of Ashburn; her cherished grandsons and their wives, Charles Andrew (Andy) McHugh and Amanda (Mandy) Raven McHugh of Madison and James Paul McHugh and Sallie Drew McHugh of Ashburn; her beloved great grandchildren, Silas Drew McHugh and Eli James McHugh of Madison and Emmie Grace McHugh of Ashburn; her sisters-in-law, Patricia Lumpkin Rainey of Ashburn and Joyce McHugh Reed of Rebecca; and a wealth of nieces and nephews. She was dearly loved by her Austin nieces and nephews, who considered her “their second mother,” and their families, Donna NeSmith of Sycamore, Vickie Brown of Ashburn, Janice York of St. Augustine, Florida, Darrell Austin of Cordele, Alan Austin of Newborn, and Bruce Austin of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with Reverend David Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ashburn First Baptist Church or The Gideons International.