Sondra Jane Hughes


Sondra Jane Hughes, 85, of Charlotte, died Sunday, January 23, 2022, in Charlotte. Sondra was born June 21, 1936, in Lansing, the daughter of Burr O. and Mary C. (Swathwood) Pierce. Following her high school graduation, Sondra earned her license as a practical nurse and served 4 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital and 12 years at Eaton Manor. Sondra married the love of her life, Gerald R. Hughes, on September 15, 1956, following his return from his service in the U.S. Airforce. Together they celebrated 59 years of happy marriage until his death in 2016.
Sondra’s love of nursing led her to bring humor and joy to each of her patients. Faith and kindness filled Sondra’s life and many church members were the recipients of her prayers, hugs and caring ways. A great lover of animals, she had many pets, especially cats. She enjoyed reading and crocheting and shared her talents with her family. Sondra’s greatest moments in life revolved around family gatherings. Her family will miss her around the table, but know that she has found Glory and is again together with the love of her life, Jerry.
Sondra is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Walt) Lupu; son, Mark (Valerie) Hughes; daughter-in-law, Cindy Hughes; 7 grandchildren, Christopher Chapman, James Chapman, Courtney (Brandon) Robison, Greg (Jennifer) Hughes, Brandon (Amanda) Pitts, Andrew Pitts, and Ashley (Rece) Cox; 9 great-grandchildren, Harrison Chapman, Louis Chapman, Thomas Chapman, Lane Robison, Carolina Robison, Amelia Robison, Alexis Pitts, Bryce Cox, and Braxton Cox; sister, Cheryl Deadman; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald R. Hughes; son, Gary Hughes; brother, Albert Pierce; and sister, Catherine Lekki. The family would like to express a special thank-you to Sondra’s close friends and neighbors, John and Carol Rossio, Carol Cook, and Lorrene Cody.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Sondra’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Sondra’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Eaton Community Palliative Care or First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.