Constance Elizabeth Hughes, daughter of Gladys and Arthur Hughes, was born on March 14, 1934 in Boston and departed this life on July 1st, 2026.

From the very beginning, she possessed a spirit that was impossible to overlook. Curious, gifted, and exceptionally bright, Connie approached life with confidence and determination. If there was something worth learning, she learned it. If there was a challenge to be met, she met it with grace and style.

She received her education in the Boston Public Schools. As a young woman, Connie was an exceptional student who played the piano, served as a drum majorette, and excelled in everything she pursued. She attended Girls High School and remained so proud of her alma mater that she was apart of the planning committee for every reunion and attended each one until the age of 89.

Connie began her professional career as a waitress, where her elegance, beauty, extreme intelligence and magnetic personality made a lasting impression getting her the top notch spots at every 5 star restaurant. She later became part of the original opening staff of a distinguished establishment called Top of the Hub in 1965, where she quickly became adored by both her coworkers and patrons. No matter where life took her, Connie had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and valued. She formed lifelong friendships everywhere she went, and it was no secret that she left behind more than a few admirers along the way.

To know Connie was to admire her. She carried herself with effortless glamour and impeccable style. Always beautifully dressed, she believed in presenting herself with grace and dignity. Whether she was attending church, a family gathering, or simply running errands, Connie had a presence that naturally drew people in. Her intelligence matched her beauty, and her quick wit, sharp mind, and warm smile made every conversation memorable. She had a way of leaving a little sparkle wherever she went, and the countless lives she touched stand as a testament to the remarkable woman she was.

Connie believed deeply in serving others. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs and a charter member of the Massachusetts Chapter of 100 Black Women. Strong, resilient, and compassionate, she spent many years as a counselor at Old Colony Correctional Center, extending hope and guidance to those who needed it most. It took a special kind of strength to do that work, and Connie possessed it in abundance.

Retirement simply opened another chapter of service. She traveled throughout the community teaching yoga to senior citizens, helping others improve their health while building lasting friendships.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Joseph Snow in March of 1951. From this union together they welcomed seven children into the world: Jo Anne Marita, Carla Reneé, Leah Yvonne, Maria Antoinette, Duane Lamont, Joseph Barry, and Jeffrey Michael. One of Connie's most meaningful traditions was choosing each child's middle name in honor of someone she dearly loved and admired, a beautiful reflection of the importance she placed on family and legacy.

In December of 1977, Connie had her famous name change when she married Abdullah Azizi and she legally changed her name that many know her by, Ayaisha Bilal Azizi.

Connie's greatest accomplishment was not found in her many talents or achievements but in the love she poured into her family. She is lovingly survived by her sister Rochelle Wornum, and her seven children; her twelve cherished grandchildren—Emmett, Nakia, Kyette, Kaif, Carla (deceased), Kellie, Sian, Chaijuanna, Cristian, Jeffrey Jr., Jamal, and Devin; sixteen beloved great-grandchildren; and her treasured great-great-grandson, along with a host of extended family members, dear friends, and countless lives forever changed by her love. She was proud of her kids, extremely proud to be their mother and bragged about their accomplishments.

Ayaisha accepted Christ and became a member of Morning Star Baptist church under the leadership of Reverend Borders III; And later went on to attend the now named Celebration Church in Stoughton. There was something extraordinary about Connie. It often seemed that everything she touched turned to gold. She was a musician, a gifted dancer, an exceptional worker, and a woman who embraced every opportunity life placed before her. She balanced countless responsibilities with remarkable strength while wearing a smile that could brighten any room. She possessed a theatrical spirit and a playful sense of humor that never faded. If someone mentioned that they recognized her, she would flash that unforgettable smile and reply, "From Hollywood, perhaps?"

That was Connie—graceful yet strong, glamorous yet humble, brilliant yet kind. She was elegant without pretense, confident without arrogance, and generous beyond measure. Her laughter filled rooms, her wisdom guided generations, and her love reached far beyond her own family. Every life she touched became richer because she had been there.

Although our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in knowing that her earthly journey has become an everlasting one. The beautiful legacy Connie leaves behind lives on with her sister Rochelle and in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her faith, strength, laughter, elegance, and unconditional love will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Connie is proceeded in death by her daughter Carla Reneé Snow, parents Arthur and Gladys Hughes, her siblings Shirley Teixeira, Rodney Hughes, Arthur (Buddy) Hughes Jr. , Helen Manifold, Howard (Sunny) Hughes, Mildred (Mimi) Hughes, and her grand daughter Carla Reneé Snow.

Rest peacefully, Ma, Grandma, Auntie Connie, Ayaisha, however you knew her.  until we meet with you again.