Henry Hughes

Henry Lee Hughes, Jr. was born on August 15, 1943 in Benson, Louisiana to Henry L. Hughes, Sr. and Shirley Belton. At an early age, Henry moved to New Jersey with his mother where he attended and fulfilled his education.He graduated from Tri-Votech Training School in 1962 with a degree in Upholstery Studies. Henry accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of the late Elder John Miller. He later became an active member of the Spotlight Holy Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop Joe G. Sykes. While with Spotlight, he held many positions and with these positions he worked faithfully, including his final elevation to the call of Chairman Deacon for the Spotlight Holy Temple Church. He was dedicated to this work and worked devotedly until his retirement and relocation to Port St. Lucie, Florida. In 1961, Henry met and fell in love with Mary L. Sykes and their union began on June 23, 1963. With their union, they were blessed with two children, Donald and Darlene Hughes. Henry loved his family and he provided for them as only he knew how – under God’s direction. He was a resident of Ewing Township for over 30 years. He was a devout family man who believed in working hard and leading his family with true religious values. He also believed in vacation and made it a point to take yearly vacations with his family and other special family members. Henry was employed by the General Motors Corporation (GM) and he worked diligently for this company for 33 years. At the start of his career with GM, he was employed as a custodial worker. However, Henry had bigger dreams. When the opportunity presented itself, Henry was promoted to Security Officer and worked his way to his final position of Chief of Operations – Security, retiring under this position. Henry also worked as a Coach Bus Driver for Stouts Charter Bus Company where he was known under his “CB Handle” as the “Night Watchman”. He enjoyed traveling the roadway and many times with his wife by his side. After retiring from General Motors, Henry and Mary relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida where he worked for 10 years for the St. Lucie County School Board as a School Bus Driver, earning the title of “Mr. H.” by those who loved him. Henry and family joined the Redemptive Life Fellowship Church of West Palm Beach, Florida, where he served as a devoted member for over 17 years under the leadership of Bishop Harold Calvin Ray. Under this ministry, Henry was ordained Elder Henry L. Hughes on March 24, 2013 and this date was a joyful occasion to him and his beloved family. He was also active in the Hospitality Ministry and the Greeter’s Ministry, both which he enjoyed tremendously. When visiting New Jersey, Henry and family worshiped with the New Beginning Christian Center under the leadership of Elder John R. Taylor. They were honorary members of the church. Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Hughes Sr. (Ella) and Shirley Belton-Mason (Edward), his son, Elder Donald Hughes, his sister, Earnestine Thompson, Father-in-Law, Bishop Joe G. Sykes, Mother-in-Law Agnes Boykins (Alvin), Sister-in-law Bertha Wiley (Norman), Brother-in-Law Evangelist Guy L. Young and a special niece, Sandra Coles. Henry leaves to cherish his memories his beloved and faithful wife of 57 years, Mary L. Hughes, his daughter Darlene Hughes, his spiritual son Jerome Williams, his grandchildren: Ashrele Landin (Richard), Donavan Hughes (Domonique), Drayvon Hughes (Courtney), Dominique Hughes, Jessica Hughes and Nayeilah Hughes. The great-grandchildren: Daniyah, Liyanah, Amari, Drayvon, Peyton, Gianna, Serayah (and baby Landin) and daughter-in-laws Vanessa Mayo and Michelle Ruffin. Henry also leaves to cherish his memories, his siblings: Gloria Thompson (Edward), Geraldine Mason, Jerome Mason, Robert Mason (Barbara), David Mason (April), Lawrence Mason (Arcangela), Brother-in-Law Richard Thompson, Sister-in-Law Jestine Young and nieces (including his special nieces, Joanne Ransom, Geraldine Johnson, Roxanne Tulloch, Marie Thompson, and Alice Young), , nephews, cousins,his god-children (Andrew Thomas, Timothy Stephens, Joel Stephens and Johnl Stephens) and a host family and friends.