Lillian L. Hughes

Lillian Louise Dempsey was born September 11, 1934 in Battleboro, North Carolina from the union of the late Willie and Emma Lee Dempsey. From North Carolina, the family moved to the Washington, DC area. Growing up, she attended Cardoza High School, and later Minor College. Lillian was always family oriented and served as a great example to her younger sisters and brothers, as well as many others.

As the years moved on, Lillian had a cousin, Minnie who lived in Brooklyn who she would visit on occasion. Minnie was dating a young man named Jimmy Johnson who lived in Keyport, New Jersey. Jimmy and Lillian’s husband-to-be (Ephraim), took music lessons from the same teacher. The teacher, knowing where they both lived, suggested they get together to practice sometime…which they did and a friendship grew. On New Year’s Eve – 1955, Lillian was visiting her cousin Minnie and they made plans to visit Jimmy in Keyport. As fate would have it, Jimmy asked Ephraim to join them for the evening. There is no stopping the path of God's light, as three-days later Ephraim was assigned to the Naval School of Music in Anacostia, Maryland . . . not far from Lillian's home. They were able to follow up with each other, and the relationship grew; marrying in 1957 with a union that spanned nearly 64-years!

Lillian's work history began many years ago at the NY Girls Coat Factory, Perth Amboy, N.J. That was followed by a number of years at the now closed Fort Monmouth Army Base. She then enjoyed a period of self-employment as a vendor of women's clothing and ended her period of active employment with the unemployment division of the state of New Jersey.

She was blessed with two sons: Gregory Bernard and Brian Kendall. Her blessings continued with two wonderful daughters in law: Renée and Marilyn. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Isaiah, Genesis, Brittnee, Marcus, Sloane, Bailey, and one great grandson – Jaxon. Lillian is survived by her brothers Melvin, Larry, and Jerome, along with her sister Wilhelmina; and a host of nieces and nephews along with hundreds of family and friends from far and wide.

A longtime resident of Cliffwood, New Jersey, Lillian was loved for her kind nature, as well as her generous and giving spirit. Her staunch belief in God and dedication to St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Cliffwood, New Jersey was unsurpassed for over 60 years.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 9 am until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 am at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long  Branch. Interment will follow at Shorelands Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hazlet. In honor of Lillian Hughes, donations may be made to St. Mark, located at 218 Delaware Avenue, Cliffwood, New Jersey 07721. Due to current Covid restrictions, and at the request of the family, there will not be a repast/reception. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
 

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