Gloria Hughes

Gloria Alfreda Young Hughes, 100, born May 12, 1923, in Tallahassee, FL, United States, passed away January 25, 2024, in Carson, CA. She was the eldest of two children born to Charles and Sara Young. She was preceded in death by her brother Clyde L. Young (2014).

Gloria received her childhood education in the public schools of Tallahassee, ending with her attendance at Florida A&M University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

On January 18, 1942, she married Gerald E. Hughes and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage until his death in 1988. The marriage produced five children: Gerald Jr., Ronald, Andrea, Gloria and Bret. When the family moved to California, Gloria helped her husband establish his private medical practice, working as the office manager. 

Gloria was an active member of Brister Memorial Baptist Church in Compton, CA beginning in 1965. She served in multiple capacities, including Sunday School director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School assistant director and director, Church Stewardship chairperson and financial secretary/treasurer. She was also elected to a four-year term on the executive board of the California Southern Baptist Convention, serving on the Denominational Relations Committee. 

She was a passionate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Theta Alpha Omega Chapter (charter member). Through her many years of dedicated service to the organization, Gloria was honored as a life member in 1980, a Golden Soror in 1990 and, finally, the high honor of Diamond Soror in 2016, which signifies 75 years of continuous service. 

Gloria loved volunteering in the community and dedicated many of her sorority years working with programs empowering women and children. She represented her Theta Alpha Omega chapter as a project coordinator with the African American Infant Health Project of North Long Beach from 1993 to 1999, planning and leading monthly meetings on topics like pre- and post-natal care, parenting and financial management. She also served two years as chairperson of the chapter’s Health Committee.

She joined AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), through which she volunteered hundreds of hours at Rosecrans Elementary School in Compton. There, she coordinated programs to enhance student reading skills, including implementing a tutoring program for K-3 students. 

As a volunteer with the Carson Community Symphony Association for more than eight years, Gloria provided invaluable service in the areas of membership and fundraising. She also served as treasurer for the organization, receiving the Crystal Clef Award for volunteer service in 2002.

She was a founding member of the Harbor Area Chapter of The Links, Inc. and received her certificate of platinum membership in 2006, signifying 50 years of service. 

She did not seek the spotlight with her service, the spotlight often sought her. She received recognition from the United States Congress (for her service to the National Council of Negro Women, Long Beach Chapter) and the City of Carson, (as secretary for the Carson Senior Citizen Advisory Council), as well as numerous other commendations for her tireless commitment to many groups and organizations. 

Gloria was the proud grandmother of 11, great grandmother of 10 and great great grandmother of one. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge and traveling (Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico). 

Gloria passed away on January 25, 2024 at home in Carson at the age of 100.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her granddaughter Kisa. She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Gerald Hughes, Jr. (Jie), San Jose, CA; son, Ronald Hughes (Angela), Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; daughter Andrea Proehl (Peter), Santa Rosa, CA; daughter Gloria Askew (Wesley), Carson, CA; son Bret Hughes (Dawn), West Bloomfield, MI; grandchildren Tracey, Kilee, Ronald Jr., Solomon, Gabriel, Ariana, Courtney, Edward, Cameron and Sydney; nieces Mayme Clark, Vienda Bynum and Clydia Lyn Vaughn, nephews Edward Riley and Gerald Cheeseborough; along with other relatives and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Pearl Foundation, Inc. to support a scholarship in Gloria’s name. Donate at www.thepearlfoundationlongbeach.org or by mail to The Pearl Foundation, Inc, P.O. 7073, Long Beach, CA 90907.