Deacon Early West Hughes "Nick"

Obituary of Deacon Early West Hughes, Sr., “Nick”

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

…a time to be born, a time to die…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Deacon Early Hughes, a loving and caring husband of sixty-one years, a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, one day shy of his 94th birthday. He was born the oldest of six children on November 23, 1928, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Joshua and Fannie Hughes.

Deacon Hughes came to Saginaw, Michigan in 1951. He was employed by General Motors (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry) until he retired on March 1, 1988, after 35 years of dedicated service. He was affiliated with UAW Local 668. After establishing himself in Saginaw, Deacon Hughes sent for his family and relocated his parents and siblings from Mississippi.

Deacon Hughes was a man of God and was a charter and faithful member of New Beginnings Ministries, under the leadership of Apostle Clarence Lewis. There was not a job that was too small when it came to the work of the Lord. He served proudly as a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. He was a man of integrity, highly respected, and full of the Holy Ghost; because of this, he was entrusted with the duties of a Deacon. Whatever he was called upon to do, he did it with honor and as unto the Lord.

Deacon Hughes was a man of few words, but when he spoke his wisdom was loud and clear. In his older age, he developed a quick wit and kept his kids laughing. He loved watching sports, and his favorite sports teams were the Golden State Warriors and the Kansas City Chiefs. Deacon Hughes was serious about his fitness, and he started off each day by doing push-ups and then walking around the neighborhood when the weather was pleasant or on his treadmill. He was a professional channel surfer and hated commercials and kept the channels changing as he sat in his favorite recliner.

Deacon Hughes leaves to cherish his memories and will be truly missed by his loving wife, Mother Azalee Hughes; his children Elder John Rhodes, Saginaw Michigan, Carolyn (Keith) Young, Santa Fe Springs, California, Early Hughes, Vallejo, California, Alice Hughes, Columbia, Maryland, Janice Primas, Katy, Texas, Ann (Thomas) Mayfield, Houston, Texas; Godson, William (Emma) Epps III, Swart Creek, Michigan; goddaughter, Vicki (Clarence) Mack, Flint, Michigan. He loved to be called Grandpa by his grandchildren, Keisha Young, Kinicki Hughes, Rayshell Hughes, Clarissa (Jessica) Young, Nicholas Hughes, Lynn Mayfield, Victoria Young, Allen (Jennifer) Bradshaw, and Quintella Bradshaw; and his great-grandchildren, Keith C. Young, Dalani Young, Jazzlynn Young, Zariah Bradshaw, Alanna Bradshaw, and Amaya Bradshaw.

Deacon Hughes was the big brother to Grenda Thomas, Saginaw, Michigan, Laveter Houston, Loganville, Georgia, Joshua (Josephine) Hughes, Saginaw Michigan, Ernest Hughes, Saginaw, Michigan, and Elijah (Penny) Hughes, Saginaw, Michigan.

Special People in his life were his sister-in-law, Lucille Shelby; cousin, Ora Houston; and nephew, Ronnie Pompey.

Deacon Hughes was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua and Fannie Hughes; sons, Allen Rhodes and Douglas Rhodes; granddaughter, Angela Young; nephews, Wash Lewis, Jr. and Elijah Hughes, Jr., and niece, Shelia Hughes.

Special thanks to our brother, Elder John Rhodes, who lovingly took good care of our father.