Jo Ann Hughes

  Service time has been changed to 2 pm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 *

Jo Ann (Bowden) Hughes, age 89, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the place she loved most—her home. She was born on June 19, 1936, in Annona, Texas, to Irene and Joel Bowden.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Gaines Hughes, her daughter, Janie Bynum and son in law Danny Bynum.

She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Hughes (Rita) and Joe Hughes; her grandchildren, Richard, Jason, Leslie, and Holly; and her great-grandchildren, Riley, Colton, Jaycee, Emilee, Raynee, Reed, Ross, and Tyler; and her long-time friend and caregiver, Nancy Thomas.

Jo Ann—known lovingly as “Gran” or “Gigi”—was tiny in stature but tough by nature. She loved her family and took great pride in her grandchildren. Honest and loyal, she was known for her strong work ethic, consistency, dependability, and independence. Straightforward and not a woman of many words, her actions spoke louder than words ever could. In her retirement years, she enjoyed reading, watching football on television, and rarely missed her Thursday afternoon hair appointment. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon.

Family and friends will gather at Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Jo Ann will be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richard Hughes, Jason Hughes, Colton Hughes, Reed James, Ross James, and Tyler James. Leslie James will be officiating.

Jo Ann’s family finds comfort in the promise of Scripture:
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home.

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