Gracie Osborne Hughes

Born in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Gracie was the 9th of 13 children born to James (Jim) and Florence Osborn. By 1942, Jim had relocated his family to Sparkman, Arkansas, where Gracie grew up. Nurturing and encouraging others always came naturally to Gracie and she was blessed with an infinite amount of patience and tolerance…traits that made her a natural born teacher. Her family was not wealthy, but Gracie was confident that she would attend college and become a teacher. She graduated from Sparkman Training School in 1955 as class valedictorian. In May 1960, Gracie graduated with honors from Philander Smith College (Little Rock, AR), earning a B.S. in Home Economics and a minor in Elementary/Secondary Education. Her accomplishments inspired her younger sister, Mary, and others.

Gracie married Therlon E. Hughes, Sr., a native of Sparkman and a childhood friend, on June 19, 1959; they later divorced. The union produced three children: Lisa, Therlon Eugene (Gene), Jr., and Michael. Like many women of her era, she chose to postpone her career to focus on raising her children. An involved parent, Gracie taught her children to respect themselves, respect others, value education, and strive for excellence without regard to race…the values she learned from her parents. Her dedication was rewarded when her children graduated from college, and continue to strive to be successful in their chosen careers.

In 1996, Gracie’s son Michael married Marilyn Guinto Cortez. Gracie welcomed her new daughter-in-law with open arms. Until her death, Marilyn and Gracie had a loving and special bond. In 1999, Gracie’s only grandchild, Michelle was born…and she became Grammy. Michelle and her Grammy were very close, and they shared 18 years year together and created many lasting memories.

In 1977, Gracie resumed her teaching career and obtained her certification as an early education teacher. In 1980, she became the Director of the Children’s Learning Center, a position she enjoyed for over 12 years. Gracie’s teaching career in Oceanside (California) spanned over 25 years and included positions at Oceanside Unified School District and Immanuel Lutheran Children’s Learning Center. Until her recent illness, many former students (now adults) often greeted her around town, fondly calling her “Miss. Grace” and telling her how she impacted their lives. In the eyes of her children, family, and students, Gracie achieved those goals she set so long ago as a young girl and used her natural talent to positively affect her community.

Gracie was preceded in death by her parents and 8 (of 13) siblings, and she is survived by:

Lisa Hughes, Daughter, Elk Grove CA

Therlon (Gene) Hughes, Jr., Son, Elk Grove CA

Michael Hughes, Son, Oceanside CA

Marilyn Hughes, Daughter-in-Law, Oceanside CA

Michelle Grace Hughes, Granddaughter, Oceanside CA

Esther Osborn Ragland, Sister, Kansas City MO

Mary Osborn Ward, Sister, Gary IN

Evangeline Osborn Groves, Sister, Kansas City MO

Jimmy Lee Osborn, Brother, Bearden AR

Therlon Hughes, Sr., Former Spouse, Surprise AZ

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Gracie’s commitment to education by sending donations in her honor to one of the following:

Jim and Florence Osborn Scholarship Fund (money orders)

c/o Mrs. Linda Osborn Townsend, Scholarship Chairperson

P.O. Box 2541

Gary, IN 46403

Donors Choose (Educational Projects)

https://www.donorschoose.org

Support a classroom. Build a future.

Teachers all over the U.S. need your help to bring their classroom dreams to life.

Choose a project that inspires you and give any amount.

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

http://www.mhopus.org

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by donating musical instruments and vital support services to under-funded music programs nationwide, giving economically-disadvantaged youth access to the many benefits of music education, helping them to be successful students, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.

Teachers Without Borders

https://teacherswithoutborders.org

An international nonprofit, Teachers Without Borders strives to facilitate the transfer of effective teaching skills to beyond the classroom so that all learners the world round can benefit.