Loreen Patricia Hughes Obituary (2013)

Life Sketch Celebrating the Life and Profession of Loreen P. Hughes At 11:40 a.m. October 4, 2013, God chose to bring home another Angel. An angel who was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, community activist, and educator. Most importantly a Woman of God. She received Christ at an early age. Loreen Patricia Hughes "Kitty" was born November 13, 1927 in Punta Gorda, FL to the late Reverend Willie and Annie Haynes. She had four brothers and one sister who preceded her in death: Brothers Booker Taliferro (T), Thomas Jefferson (TJ), Dennis, Charles and sister, Willie Mae. Surviving siblings are sisters Bessie Lou Bryant and Hazelar Johnson. Loreen graduated (Tenth Grade-Charlotte County) in 1942 from Baker Academy in Punta Gorda, Florida and continued higher education at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduation, she furthered her education at Bethune-Cookman College where she received her bachelor degree in secondary education and pursued a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, IN. Loreen later moved to Ft. Myers, Fl in the late 50's to become a School Teacher (Business Education) at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Florida where she became affectionately known as "LP". While there she married her first love - "The love of her Life", Alexander Hughes (deceased). They have five children Mary Ann Hughes Smith (Robert) Cherry Hill, NJ, Eben Avian Hughes (Amy), San Antonio, TX, Shaurie Alexis Hughes Mathews (James)- Fort Myers FL, Kevin Sherrone Hughes (Dietra) - Surprise AZ, and Kathy Lashawn Hughes Tucker (James "Tuck") - Mansfield TX whom she loved dearly. Loreen loved teaching; she taught 45 years in the Lee County School District and was passionate sharing what she knew with others. Her parents always instilled in her "Education is the key". Loreen is most noted for her Dunbar community service with the local Delta Sigma Theta, Fort Myers Alumnae Chapter, over 40 years of teaching typing, and over 60 years as a swimming Instructor at Dunbar Heights pool (now STARS Complex). Some of her most noted achievements are as follows: Early Child Development, Fla. A&M University Civic Activities: School Teacher in Lee County School System 40+ years Treasurer NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Chairperson, Delta's Del-Teen Club Member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority United Way Volunteer Action Center of Lee County Phi Delta Kappa Teachers Association of Lee County Lee County Professional Network Clerk/Secretary, Antioch Baptist Church, Youth Director Coordinator, Delta Sigma Theta, Tutorial Program Past Civic Activities: Co-founder Dunbar Coalition Secretary, Greater Fort Myers Urban League Vice President/Treasurer, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Greater Fort Myers Bi-Racial Committee Advisory Board Member: Orangewood Elementary Cypress Lake Middle Eller Piper Center President, Black Women's Political Caucus Lee County Housing Authority Board Lee County Human Services Funding Committee Swim Instructor @ STARS Complex City of Fort Myers Community Relations Commission Lee County Black History Society Florida Retired Educator Association As a result of her charity and service to the Dunbar community and City of Fort Myers, the City of Fort Myers declared August 5, 2013, "Loreen P. Hughes Day". On this given day she was presented a proclamation from the Mayor. What a great achievement! Religious Affiliation: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Church Clerk, Finance Committee Chairperson and the Youth Director for many years. To further affirm a life well lived, Loreen made a difference in the many lives she encountered. Remembering Loreen's Love: God must have known there would be times we'd need a gentle touch, a tender understanding heart to love us very much. He must have known we'd need someone to listen to our cares, to comfort and remember us in loving thoughts and our prayers. So in his boundless wisdom, he sent us from above, the dearest blessing in the world, our precious Loreen's love that she shared with all. Loreen a Godly parent and Grandparent: It is amazing how Mom always knew what to do and say. She was always filled with so much love and tenderness and wisdom. With just a word or smile or look, she made our hearts lighter. She always had a high expectation for us and accepted nothing less than our very best. She was a strong mother and a great influence to all of us. Loreen's Last Goodbye Even as she walked through the valley of the shadow of death, she was fearless. She walked with God and called out to Jesus, her personal savior. On the morning of October 4, 2013, Loreen, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. Her life was a ministry to all. She left her family a legacy of hope, love and service. Her legacy will be continued by the following family members: Her children, grandchildren, great grand children, God children, numerous nieces, nephews, sisters in-laws, brother in-law, and sisters.