There aren't many people who could stand to listen to irate customers demand satisfaction on a twice-monthly basis. It's an often thankless job, but for Mary Hughes, it's been a way to help people.

Since 1990, the southwest Atlanta resident has held a seat on the city's Water and Sewer Appeals Board. That appointment by her councilman, Jim Maddox, led to her taking over as chairwoman of the five-member board in 1999. In May, at the age of 94, Hughes retired from the board in a flourish of accolades from the City Council.

File photo (ENLARGE)

Mary Hughes is honored by the Atlanta City Council, including Councilwoman Mary Norwood (right), at a ceremony in May.

"When people have complaints about high water bills, we try to help them," said Hughes, was the board's chair longer than anyone previously. "We've had so many cases of people with $7,000 and $8,000 bills that we've had to work it out for them. But I liked the people I worked with; we've become friends."

Hughes earned $50 for each meeting she attended, but it was the sense of giving back to the community that was more important, she said.

It was just one way that Hughes contributed. She's been honored for her annual project to bring clothes and toys to area homeless shelters — a project that earned her the nickname "Mother Hughes."

"I was honored by the governor last year for what I do on my birthday," said Hughes, who will be 95 in December. "I always go to six or seven shelters, including the Children's Shelter at North Avenue twice, because those children are homeless."

Collecting donated items is a yearlong process, said Hughes, who has three tables in her home already piled high with donations from friends and family for the shelters.

"I wrap [the gifts] in Christmas paper and pass them out," she said. "I usually have volunteers from several churches who bring their vans and help me out."

Along with making her birthday donations for the last 65 years, Hughes was a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross. Her commitment to helping people suited her career as a practical nurse at area hospitals — including Grady, Piedmont and Crawford Long — and as a private-duty nurse. She retired about 30 years ago.

Though she won't be attending the board appeals sessions, Hughes is sure she'll have plenty to fill her days. She still drives her tan Mercedes (though not at night) and attends Mount Zion Second Baptist Church on Boulevard.

"As far as I know, I'm in good health," she said with a laugh. "I get plenty of exercise working in the yard. I have a huge yard to rake."

— This article is a reprint from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.