Ywachetta Hughes Driver of Irving, Texas, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022. For 88 years, she lived a life marked by generosity, warmth and moxie. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, dutiful mother and beloved friend. Her most treasured role was being “Grandma” to seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Born on October 11, 1934, to Rayford (Bunk) Rastus Hughes and Etherine Roberts Hughes in Seminole, Oklahoma. She grew up beside her two brothers, Albert and Bobby. Her childhood years were spent enjoying the freedoms of a small-town life like cruising around without a driver's license and having friends stop by unannounced to watch the first and only television in the neighborhood.
In 1954, she married James Travis Driver. They raised three sons, Scott, Craig and Russell. She filled their home with warmth, welcoming friends and neighbors. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids and she always wanted the best for her sons.
A self-starter with a keen business sense, Ywachetta co-founded Driver Pipeline, a pipeline construction company, alongside her husband, James. The success did not come without sacrifice; prior to starting the business, Ywachetta and James moved to 28 states in 14 years while living in a trailer with their three children. The company grew to be one of the most respected pipeline contractors in the Southwest.
Never one to sit idle, Ywachetta filled her time with friends, family and travel. She loved bringing people together and she was especially known for her annual Christmas Eve gathering. Some of her favorite destinations included Little Rock, Arkansas, and Solana Beach, California. She made many friends along the way through the race track, neighborhood, beauty salon and local community.
Friends and family often called “Ywacie” to share their stories and hear her straight-forward input. She had the rare gift of being a great listener. Her grandchildren will remember her as a steadfast cheerleader - quick and enthusiastic to support their personal and professional goals.
Ywachetta is survived and loved by her husband, James, and their children Scott and his wife LaVonda, Craig and Russell; her brother Albert Ray Hughes and his wife Joanne; her brother Bobby Ware Hughes. And her grandchildren Kristin Driver Carlson and her husband Paul; Drew Driver and his wife Emily; Wynn Driver; Angela Crawford and her husband Drew; Camille Driver Rigdon and her husband Tyler; Melissa Driver; Devon Driver Sensel and her husband Seth. And her great-grandchildren: Weston, Elodie, Jase, Charles, Jaxon, James, Robert and Charlotte. As well as nieces and nephews who she adored: Tommy Richardson, Robin Schultz, Alan Hughes, Jan Hughes, Holli Hughes, Jill Gandy. She is also survived by her loving friend and confidant, Ernest Dexter. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Barbara Hughes .
A visitation will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX. 75225, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Windy Hill Equine Rescue and Rehoming.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Driver family.
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