Obituaries

Jean Hughes was born on January 3, 1936 in Newport, Ky to her parents, the late Bessie Hall-Walker and Hemp Spears. At an early age, she moved to Covington, Ky, where she was raised under the love and care of her mother and step father Perry Walker. In Covington, Jean also attended Lincoln Grant school for her education and was baptized at Ninth Street Baptist Church, under the late Reverend Lacey.

Since a child, Jean was always surrounded by a large family. At family gatherings and events, an outpouring of love was always expressed to everyone. She adored her brother Moses and their numerous cousins, for they all grew up together and were raised as siblings. A true connection that transpired and stayed throughout the years.

Many individuals felt the strong family values that Jean exuded. Rather, if you were a family member or friend, your love for her and the love that she had for you was reflected unmeasurably. So many young adults and children, within the community called her Grandma or gave her the utmost respect by calling her Ms. Jean.

When “Sleeping Beauty” wasn’t asleep or on the telephone with her family or friends, during her spare time, Jean loved to watch In the Heat of the Night, Matlock, Little House on the Prairie and countless other television series. She was a huge fan of Cowboy films and greatly adored Michael Jackson. It’s been said, that no one repeatedly played the Thriller album more than her. Bingo, crossword puzzles, card games were a few of her favorite hobbies. And a good gesture to put an even bigger smile on her face was to buy her a stanback and a Pepsi or Sprite. Jean also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They were her world and kept her young, with all the laughs and shared fond memories.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Hughes Sr, her brother Oscar “Moses” her four sisters; Irene, Jane, Pat and Betty Sue and her grandsons, Shawn Hughes, Eric Hughes, & Malaysia Amos Aliza Jones.

Those left to cherish her memories, are her daughters: Ernestine Hughes, Jeannie Humphrey(Darryl) and Linda Hughes. Her son, Charles Hughes. Step son, Calvin Hughes Jr., Grandchildren: Anthony (raised as a son), Reginald, Richard, Terrell, Bessea, Ruka, Coolidge, Lil’ Anthony, Saquesha, and Patrick. Thirty great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Special long-time friend Ora Lee Jackson and first cousins Joyce Dates and Jenny Moss. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus grandchildren and friends.

Jean was truly loved and cherished by all that knew her. She will be truly missed and will forever, reside in all of our hearts!

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:30 am, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Ninth Street Baptist Church of Covington, 231 East Ninth, Covington (41011). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:30 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Mother of God Cemetery, 3125 Madison Avenue, Fort Wright, Kentucky 41015.