Leona Mae Gibson Hughes

Leona Mae Gibson Hughes, 84, of Booneville, Kentucky passed away July 24, 2025 at her residence following a brief illness. Leona was born November 8, 1940 in Owsley County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of late Clarence R. and Ella Faye Minter Gibson. Leona was a graduate of the Owsley County High School, was a homemaker and attended the Booneville First Baptist Church. Leona is survived by her two sons Mr. Todd Mitchell Lukas Emilen “Stephanie” Hughes de Saint-Clair of Hyden, Kentucky, Mr. Jason Brent “Mika Roberts” Hughes of Booneville, Kentucky, one daughter Mrs. Lisa Renee “Frank Essner” Hughes Cooley of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, six grandchildren Mr. Joshua “Kayla” Cooley of Jackson, Missouri, Ms. Ciara Cooley of Jackson, Missouri, Mr. Jeremy Cooley of Sanford, North Carolina, Ms. Armencia Ericka Campbell Hughes of Campton, Kentucky, Mr. Gavin Alexander “Aalasia” Campbell Hughes of Sanford, North Carolina and Ms. Clair Eileen Hughes of Panama City, Florida.  Nine Great-Grandchildren, former son-in-law: Mr. John Cooley of Jackson, Missouri, former daughter-in-law Mrs. Wendy Campbell Hughes of Greensboro, North Carolina, one sister Mrs. Barbara Deaton of Booneville, Kentucky and one brother-in-law Mr. Sam Wilson of Booneville, Kentucky. Several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence R. and Ella Faye Minter Gibson, her husband of 58 years Donald Lee Hughes, two sisters Irona Frances Wilson and Naomi Fern McIntosh and two brother-in- laws Doug Deaton and Virgil McIntosh.

    Funeral services were held Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Searcy and Strong Funeral Home with Brother Terry Sandlin officiating. Burial followed in the Gibson-Moore Cemetery. Searcy & Strong Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.