Born in the autumn of 1921 against the backdrop of the 1921 pandemic and the great depression of 1929, Sallie Bell Shelton appeared as an inspiration and promise of hope, to parents William and Laura Shelton. Sallie walked over 12 miles to school on jagged terrain, wearing shoes her dear father constructed from tires. Sallie walked thankfully with tremendous determination and stillness of mind, as if the great challenges of the age were child's play. Sallie dared to explore beyond the enclave of the family namesake town of Shelton, in Fairfield County SC. An early century rail stop for cotton merchants and corporate home to Shivar Springs mineral water company, located on the Broad River. Teenage Sallie migrated to Winston-Salem, NC in search of continued education and opportunity. With masterful culinary talent and undeniable personality, Sallie quickly secured work and educational training in the big city. Sallie often sent her entire salary back home to aid William and Laura with expenses and family care. Her early acts of sacrifice would set the stage for her life of service, community building and philanthropy.

Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures and their development. Sallie devoted her life to building society, expanding cultural awareness, and developing people. A true king maker, she guided any and all under the gaze of her eye. Councilor, consoler, confidant, advisor, encourager, keeper, accountant, evangelist, mother, bearer of burdens, self made network of resources, oracle, friend, watchman, teacher, shelter, guardian and light. An eternal spring of water. A living anthropologist. Sallie would weave the threads and qualities of her anthropology into an epic life and odyssey. Sallie would enjoy an extensive professional career with RJ Reynolds, The city of Winston Salem and Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR), an organization focused on aiding low to moderate income families. Sallie was essential in shaping ESR's formation and direction. Her Locust Avenue Community Center was revered as a beacon of hope and key family support center for the northeastern corridor of Winston-Salem. She approached her work in a very personal way, and with great pride. Sallie was a life long member & presiding "church mother" of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Winston Salem, NC. Leading spirited and soulful Hymnals in the MSBC choir. Sallie was a member and pioneer of countless civic, church, governmental and community organizations. Realizing a vast accumulation of service & leadership awards. Sallie enjoyed preparing food, hosting conversations and praising the almighty. Her recipes and original cooking repertoire were excitedly coveted by tasters near and far. Sally was simply, sweet & gifted in every way.

Sallie fell in love with a refined young naval serviceman named Jacob Hughes and married the love of her life on July 9 th, 1947. Their union would span nearly 60 years. Jacob and Sallie would devotedly raise 10 children and mint a legacy of 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Sallie and Jacob would also raise countless children from the community and extended family. Their union and home, would serve as a shelter & guide to many. The Sallie B Hughes Center for Anthropology will be established and commissioned in honor of her legacy and shining example to us all.

Sallie is survived by:

Paxton & Tangula Hughes, Gordon Hughes, Gregory Hughes, Don & Lendris Hughes, Benjamin Hughes, Dorothy & Reginald Austin, Sharon Dublin, Veronica Hughes, Julia and Sylvester Young, Carl Settle SR and a vast legacy of multi-generational family members.

Mrs. Hughes will have a private graveside service. She may be publicly viewed Friday, January 29, 2021 from 12:00 PM~5:00 PM at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home and Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 11:30 AM ~ 1:30 PM at Morning Star Baptist Church.