Atlanta humanitarian Mary Hughes, known to many as Mother Hughes, died Thursday, her son told Channel 2 Action News.

Hughes was 102 years old.

She was well-known in the Atlanta community for her generosity. She spent more than 70 years giving away clothes and shoes to local homeless shelters. Each year on her birthday she would give away a box for every year she lived.

She gave 100 boxes out in 2013.

Her son said she died at home.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Mayor Andre Dickens speaks at his election day watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after winning a second term. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez