Deceased Name: Julia Minnie "Ma" Johnson Hughes

© Durant Daily Democrat

February 18, 2008

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

I have gone to be with my sweet Jesus-This would be "Ma" Hughes' message to you. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Baptist First Church, Calera, for Julia Minnie "Ma" Hughes who passed away Saturday at King's Daughters and Sons. The Reverend Jacob Towes and Danny Spoon will be officiating.

She was born September 30, 1911, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Louie Monrow Johnson and Faye Kittie Miller Johnson.

She was a born again Christian of the Baptist faith.

She married Woodie Clement Hughes on December 10, 1936, in Bennington, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Kenneth Hughes, one son-in-law, John Howard and dearly loved brother, Dale Louie Johnson.

Julia is survived by her daughter, LaVerne Howard of Moore, Oklahoma, and son, David L. Hughes and wife Sondra of Durant. Julia's love for her grandchildren was immeasurable; she is survived by the following grandchildren, Vicki Rhodes of Moore, Lesa Spoon and husband Danny of Calera; Angie Mills and husband Matt of Denison; Melanie Merideth and husband Duane of Durant; Shawn Hughes and wife Julie of Durant; Todd Hughes and wife Hallie of Durant, Shellie Winnit and husband Tracy of Dianna, Texas; and Vince Pierce and wife Martha. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren Tara Hughes, Woodie Burkhalter, Chance Burkhalter, Casey Roesler, Lenzie Roesler, Lauren Hughes, Kaley Hughes, Cole Hughes, Kyle Hughes, Ashlee Anderson, Chelsea Anderson, Dylan Anderson and Evan Pierce. She also had two great-great grandchildren, Layne Burkhalter and Omari Roesler.

Julia was an elementary education teacher with a degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She taught 33 years all in Bryan County-Starting in White Sands where she began teaching even before she had finished a degree and riding a horse named Shorty to and from the one room school house in all kinds of weather! Needless to say she was teacher, cook and custodian. Other positions were at Lone Oak, Bushnell, Old Allison, Platter, 15 years at Roberta, and 10 years at Calera.

Her teaching was not contained to the public school classroom. She started teaching Sunday School at the age of 18 and taught for 35 years.

She enjoyed knitting and crocheting warm house shoes and afghans for friends, loved ones, and many elderly and shut ins. She was an avid reader, especially of the Bible, and loved visiting with friends and relatives.

Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery will follow the funeral. Pallbearers will be Shawn Hughes, Todd Hughes, Duane Merideth, Woody Burkhalter, Larry Hughes and Jerry Hughes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chance Burkhalter and Tommy Green.

A family night will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., today at Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant.

Julia spent many years in service to others, but due to her declining health, she found herself having to be served by others. Her dearest friend and neighbor, Lou Albert was a constant companion and was the sister she never had! Many prayerful thanks go to her special care-giver, Michele Morris and Marshall County Home Health.

Coffey-Murray Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.