Ann Hughes

Ann Christine Winston was born to the union of Johnny C and Lula Mae Winston in St. Louis, MO. She was the baby of the four children and affectionately nicknamed “Cookie”. Parents and two siblings (LeRoy Winston and Frances Jones) preceded her in death. A “curious” child, Ann was known to follow close behind her brother Richard (who is closest in age), but also sister, Frances (by whom she knew she was most likely to witness something “newsworthy”), and eldest, LeRoy; thereby keeping them out of trouble. If any of the older siblings got out of line, Ann was happy to report it to Mama and Daddy. Ann famously reported to Mama once that Daddy tipped his hat to a woman on a crowded sidewalk…and Daddy was the apple of her eye. None was safe from her “taddles”. She was relieved of her baby of the bunch status at age 7 when niece, Carol Ann Winston (Courtesy of Frances) came home to be raised as Ann’s “little sister”. Ann was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools where she graduated from Soldan High School in 1962, and enrolled in Harris-Stowe Teacher's College. She married Walter Hayes in 1965 (two children, Walter Derrick and Jonathan). Still a true “Daddy’s Girl”, it was in that same year that Ann was rocked by the death of her beloved dad, Johnny after a brief illness. There were many challenging years following. Ann later enjoyed a career in the field of nursing while employed at Barnes Hospital. In 1974 Ann married Roosevelt Hughes and to this union she was gifted what she thought was going to finally be her baby girl…(another boy) Brent C. Hughes. Despite the slight surprise, Ann was finally living again. It was during those early years that she seemed to hit her stride as devoted wife and proud mother. Ann would attend her son’s sporting events, as well as school programs faithfully. She was even known to make a few unscheduled visits to the school to dispute a teacher’s “false claim” against one of her boys a time or three. Tragically, Brent was stricken with an illness causing a severe brain injury at the age of 16. At this time Ann was forced to retire from the field of health care in order to devote the remainder of her life to taking care of her baby boy. It was during this time that Ann made countless donations of time, knowledge and resources to help many other families she would meet while out with Brent on hospital and specialists visits. She was known to champion campaigns for St. Jude’s children’s home as well as Shriner’s for children. Remarkably, Ann (along with Roosevelt) did an amazing job of caring for Brent day and night without ceasing. Eventually Brent’s full time care had begun to take a toll on her physically as well as emotionally. She fought to continue caring for Brent even when she could barely stand, or walk unassisted. Despite her struggles, Ann still found a way to keep us laughing as she loved to tease family and friends. This past December 26’th of 2023 Ann was home to enjoy her 80th Birthday party and was in that rare comedic form the entire evening. Ann spent the final four weeks of her journey surrounded by close friends and family after suffering a trio of strokes. She remained a fighter until the very end. As God planned it, her beloved Brent was at her bedside to let her know that he was ok; and it was ok for her to go be with Pop {Roosevelt} and her little dog, Rambo (who both preceded her in death in 2016) during her final sunset. Ann leaves to cherish her memory 3 sons, Walter Hayes, Jonathan Hayes, and Brent Hughes; 4 grand children, Dustin Hayes; Raven Hayes, of New York, NY, Chase Hayes, and Carter Hayes; 1 great grand daughter, Bellamy Hayes. She also leaves to cherish one brother, John Richard Winston (Fanchon), of Palm Coast, FL; and devoted niece, Carol Ann Grimes, nephews, Louis Finner, Richard “Ricky” Winston, John Alexander, nieces Sharon Winston, Marsha Winston, and Lula Winston. As well as a host of great nephews and nieces. Special mention to Annette Hughes, Johnella Randolph, and LaKeesha Hayes.

Ann Hughes

April 15, 2024