Sue Swaim Hughes

Sue was born on August 6, 1941, in Jackson, Tenn., to the late Howard and Martha (Bland) Swaim. In 1946, her family moved to Memphis, eventually settling into the unincorporated Forest Hill community (now Germantown). As a teen, she demonstrated brains and beauty, where she was active in local pageants while also leading an all-girl foursome from Collierville High School to victory on the local TV show Quiz ’Em on the Air, offering a glimpse of the glamour, wit, and determination that would define her life.

Sue’s journey in higher education began at Abilene Christian College in Texas, where she met and married Doug Hughes. Together they returned to Memphis, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Memphis State University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education while raising her family and shaping the lives of countless young students.

For more than 40 years, Sue was a devoted teacher with Memphis City Schools, where she taught kindergarten through third grade. She retired in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication to her students. In 2019, one of her former students nominated her for Memphis Parent’s “Outstanding Teacher” award—a recognition that deeply reflected her lifelong passion for nurturing young learners. As Sue said at the time she accepted the award, “I always taught younger kids because I had a soft spot for them… There is a lot of love there.”

Outside of the classroom, Sue loved reading, cooking, and sharing her quick wit, but her greatest satisfaction came from being “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were her happiest moments, filled with laughter, stories, and love. She was a long-time member of the Church of Christ at White Station, where her faith guided her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Jane Keough and Lynda King, and her beloved son, John Hughes.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother James Swaim of Memphis; her children Stephen (Karen) Hughes of Memphis and Susan (Mel) Jameson of Chattanooga, Tenn.; her adopted daughter, Elizabeth Juarez of Jacksonville, Ark.; daughter-in-law, Marian Badger Hughes of Germantown; cousin Gina Smith Rebman of Houston; grandchildren Forrest (Terri) Hughes, Sarah (Austin) Lanier, Wilson Hughes, Alex Juarez, Connor Shoun, Taylor Juarez, Kayden Shoun, and Kai Juarez; and great-grandchildren Paxton Shoun, Harper Hughes and Madilyn Hughes (arriving soon).

A gathering of Sue’s family and friends will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Church of Christ at White Station, 1106 Colonial Road, Memphis, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ at White Station or the Boll Weevil Charity Foundation.