John Hughes

On October 13, 2020 John Gerald Allen Hughes was suddenly called home to be with The Lord. Born to the late James H.F. Hughes and Sadie Bernice Taylor Hughes, on February 7, 1959 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, John was destined to serve. Affectionately known by his nickname "Jerry", he was the 5th child of 6 and at a young age was introduced to the Lord and later Baptized. He was educated in the Philadelphia school system and upon graduating, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps-Reserves where he served for 12 years. After receiving an honorable discharge, "Jerry" married his childhood sweetheart, Linda Petty of Philadelphia PA and within their union raised four children. In 1990 he moved to Portland Maine for a fresh start, and a new horizon for God, himself, and his family. It was here God granted him another son, a new beginning, and a new transition in life. Here is where wounds turned into wisdom, friends became family, and Jerry decided to use his given name. As the Phoenix, the very symbol of Portland, rose from its own ashes, so in many ways had John. John worked various jobs and continued his education earning an associate degree in Communication from CMTT (now known as SMCC). He also volunteered across his community. You would often find him downtown serving at the same homeless shelter where he once took shelter and at St. Elizabeth's Pantry of St. Luke's Cathedral which is where he was headed on that fateful day he took his final walk. John had taken on other responsibilities at his home church, Green Memorial where he was a devoted member for over 20 years. There he served as an Usher, Choir Member, Minister of Helps and was entrusted as the church's Sexton. He loved going to church and spreading the word of God. John also loved spending time with his family, traveling to his hometown of Philadelphia to see cousins and others sharing words of wisdom with his nieces and nephews when he could. He enjoyed a good movie from time to time at home or at the theater. You would recognize his laugh no matter if you were at the theater or the house! We will always remember that big smile that could warm your heart and his encouraging words to brighten your day. John was a deep thinker and hard worker. He will truly be missed by so many. John was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest brother Angelo James, his youngest brother Michael Antonio, his stepdaughter Lathenia Petty and as of this year, his only sister Delores Bonita. He leaves to cherish precious memories, his four sons Donte Lightford, Dominic Hughes, Jeremiah Hughes, all of Phila. PA and Nehemiah Hughes of Portland ME; his daughter Jerilyn Borroughs (Hughes) of Phila. PA; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Robert Hughes of Portland ME, and Andre Hughes of Westbrook ME; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME.