Laura Elizabeth Hughley

Laura Elizabeth Hughley (nee Howell first graced the world on May 30, 1939, born to the late Vivian (Floyd) and James Howell Jr. in the West College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. God called her home Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Known lovingly as “Precious,” Laura carried a nickname bestowed upon her by her aunt, for whom she was named-a title that reflected just how dearly she was cherished.

Laura was affectionately called “Precious”, She received her early education through the North College Hill School District and went on to earn her high school diploma from West Night School. Driven by a commitment to learning and service, she later attended Courtier Technical School, where she became a Certified Dietetic Assistant.

Laura’s journey with Eugene Hughley Sr. as husband and wife began on September 4, 1971. From this loving union, three branches were added to the family tree: twins Vivian and William, followed by their brother Greg. Together, they became the greatest legacy of their parents’ partnership, a trio of hearts raised in a home built on shared devotion.

Whether arriving in pairs or one by one, each child became a unique reflection of the love that started it all.

With a heart large enough to encompass her entire world, she poured her soul into creating a home where love was the foundation and laughter was the language.

Alongside her devoted husband, she navigated the beautiful chaos of parenthood, guiding her three children with a gentle hand and an unwavering spirit. To her family, she was more than a matriarch; she was the steady pulse of their daily lives and the personification of selfless devotion.

Laura was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church in West College Hill, where she served as President of the Missionary Mission and faithfully contributed to both the Usher Board and Culinary Committee.

At Second Baptist Church, she took on leadership as  President of the Missionary Mission while also serving on the Usher Board and lending her talents to the Culinary Committee.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the church, as she also volunteered her time at the West College Hill Senior Service Center. Deeply rooted in her community, she balanced her church responsibilities with volunteer work at the West College Hill Senior Service Center.

She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, State of Ohio, where she held the esteemed position of Past Worthy Matron of Golden Link Chapter No. 91. For more than 20 years, she faithfully served as Recording Secretary of Golden Link Chapter No. 91 within the Order of the Eastern Star. After stepping down from Golden Link Chapter, she continued her service with Heavenly Star Chapter No. 97, where she again took on the role of Recording Secretary. Her lifelong dedication to service was evident through her church leadership, community volunteering, and longstanding commitment to the Order of the Eastern Star.

After dedicating 30 years of service, she retired in 1997 from the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, where she served as a Food Service Supervisor and was honored with a nomination for Federal Employee of the Year.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents: Vivian and James Howell, Jr., husband; Eugene Hughley, son; William Turner and brother; William Howell.

Left to carry forward her memory and legacy are her beloved children; son, Greg (Deborah) Howell of Vacaville, California, her daughter, Vivian (John C. III) Allen of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a proud grandmother to John C. Allen IV (Tiana) of Cincinnati and Tylon (Jada) Howell of Vacaville, California, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jaiden and John C. Allen V. She is also survived by her dear sister, Loretta Wade (Harry), and her sister in law; Linda, along with an extended family and loved ones who will deeply miss her presence.

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