Waurayne was born May 27, 1921 in Tulia, Texas to Donald and Birdie Ballinger Duree. She grew up in Dimmitt. She married Van Earl Hughes in 1944. She returned to Dimmitt in 1968 and taught school for approximately 25 years. Her husband started Southern Baptist work in San Jose, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Mexico City, Mexico, Waurayne always assisted her husband by playing the piano and teaching children. She graduated from Baylor University. Her hobbies included baking, and ministering at the nursing home to her fellow women. She enjoyed watching sports, attending local sporting events, and loved to host social gatherings and to be hospitable. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Dimmitt Book Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Waurayne was preceded in death by her husband, Van Earl Hughes.