Donna Kay Hughes

Donna was preceded in death by her grandmother, Elva Brown, and her father, Edward Mason. Up until the end, Donna maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, and love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences.

Donna was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on August 30th, 1948, and spent her early years in Louisville, Kentucky, living with her grandmother, Elva Brown, where she felt very loved and supported. Donna graduated from Central High School in 1968 and then entered the workforce. She also attended Spalding University.

Donna always knew she wanted to someday raise a family of her own. When she and her grandmother Elva got a ride home from Theodore B. Hughes in January of 1969, she knew she had met the person with whom she would build a family. Married just 3 months later, in April of 1969, Donna and Theodore maintained a loving and supportive marriage of over 55 years up until her passing.

Together, they raised six children, Dr's. Michael and (Sabrina) Hughes, Kimberly Y. Casey (deceased), Valerie D. Hughes, Nathan and (Tanya) Hughes, Kanisha and (Ryan) Fisher, and Theodore B. Hughes Jr. Throughout this time, Donna excelled in creating a beautiful and gracious home that was comfortable for her growing family. Donna supported her husband, who served in the United States Navy for more than 26 years.

The crowning glory for Donna was the arrival of grandchildren: LaToya Brown (Tony), Tavaris Smith, Jessica Sturdivant (Reggie), Tre' Flintroy (Kaitlyn), Dawn Jones (Jamison), Antonette Bingham, LaTonay Ayres (Randus Sr), Kristina Hardie, Keron Love, Rochelle Hughes, Eric Casey, Natalie Hughes, Dillan Hughes, and 19 great-grandchildren. Donna was delighted with everything about her role as a grandmother. Donna also had a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Donna's friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From joint family outings to sharing informal and formal meals and entertainment, to class reunions, to adventures near and far, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty. Donna would send daily text messages to family and friends. Donna knew that friendships, like flowers, take work to maintain, and she was willing to put in the effort and thus got to reap the rewards. Donna's main motivation was her devotion to God, her love of family and friends, and her enjoyment of playing Bingo.

Donna was a member of the Red Hat Society, and she encompassed the organization's goal to encourage women to get the most out of life. She was a gem of a person and loved by all. Even while taking care of her husband during his illness, she still quickly made friends wherever she went. She maintained a beautiful home with the help of her sons Nathan, Theodore Jr., and granddaughter Rochelle until her passing.

Donna would express how blessed and grateful she was to have lived a long life full of wonderful experiences as well as a loving family, and many good friends. She truly embodied the adage of a life well lived.

A memorial visitation for Donna will occur on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home - 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222. Starting at 4:45 pm to 5:00 pm will be the Officiation of the Service.