Lifelong Pembroke resident and former city councilwoman Ruth Virgene DuBois Hughes passed away Wednesday from injuries she sustained in a recent car accident in North Carolina. She was 70.

The van Hughes was riding in was reportedly hit head-on by another car on Thursday, April 19 while she and family members were on their way home from a birthday party for the driver, Pembroke native Wendell DuBois.

DuBois, who lived in North Carolina, was killed as a result of the wreck, as was Tammy DuBois, the wife of Wendell DuBois’ nephew Phillip.

Also injured in the wreck were Jamie BuBois, son of Phillip and Tammy, as well as Gloria Carter of Pembroke. She is recovering, according Pembroke Police Sgt. Billy Gray, Carter's son.

The driver of the car that reportedly hit the DuBois’ van was also seriously injured.

Additional information on the accident and the victims was unavailable before the News' deadline.

According to records at the Pembroke City Hall, Hughes served on the Pembroke City Council from 1984 until 1986, and then again from 1988 until 1995.

Hughes was very active in the community, assisting those in need whenever she could.

Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook worked with Hughes in the last 1970s. Cook was the assistant to the city clerk at that time and Hughes worked as the utility clerk.

"She was an extraordinary and capable person," said Cook. "She was just remarkable."

Cook said Hughes’ faith was inspiring.

"What I admired about her was her faith," she said. "She could turn a negative into a positive in a heartbeat."

Kathy Sauls, director of the Pembroke Senior Center where Hughes was an active member, remembers Hughes for her generosity to others and for her involvement in the community. Sauls and Hughes ate lunch together regularly.

"She was just a wonderful Christian person," said Sauls. "She played piano for her church and carried elderly to the doctor when they needed to go…she would take time out of her schedule when they needed it. She actually took me to the hospital for eye surgery."

The funeral service will be held this morning at 11 a.m. at the Morrison Memorial Chapel with Sidney Bradley, Elder Spencer Moore and Pastor James Bulloch officiating. Burial will be in Northside Cemetery.