Brenda Hughes

Brenda Sue Baughman Hughes, 68, of Danville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 3, 1957, in Danville, she was the cherished daughter of the late James Baughman and Leontonie Marshall Baughman.

Brenda was a proud 1975 graduate of Danville High School. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to caring for others; working at Bate Middle School, Honeywell, and Sunrise Children’s Home, where her journey as a foster parent began. Her gentle heart and natural ability to connect with people touched countless lives, both inside and outside of work. She opened her home and heart to many children over the years, offering them love, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

Baptized as a young girl at First Baptist Church on 2nd & Walnut, Brenda later found her church home at St. James AME Church, where her faith continued to guide her.

Brenda loved to laugh, dance, and bring joy to every gathering. Always putting the happiness of others before her own. She was the heart of her family, and her warmth made everyone feel welcome.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 42 years, Michael T. Hughes; her children, Nikki (Dewayne) Southerland, Tamara (Steven) Hughes Brown, Gerald (Codi) Hughes, Sharee Green, and step-son Craig McKitric. “Chosen children” Sam (Christian) Kuchenbrod, and Lorenzo Gay; beloved grandchildren, including Jared Southerland, Kynslee Hughes, Christian Grainger, Camron Grainger, Jailah Hughes, Blakeleigh Hughes, Makenna Hughes; “chosen grandchildren” Titus Gay, and Cullen Kuchenbrod. She also leaves behind her cherished brother, James “Jimmy” Baughman, and her niece and dear friend, Twylla McKitric. Brenda is also survived by special nieces and nephews, Braidin Baughman, Jaemin Baughman, Jae’Cee Baughman, Kaelyn Baughman, and Dexter Grey, along with her longtime friend, Tonja Eversole, and many others who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Takisha Faulkner, and sisters Mary Elizabeth Burton and Shirley Baughman.

The funeral service will be at 12 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. James AME Church, where we will gather to celebrate Brenda’s remarkable life. Rev. Ralph Smith, Rev. Jenkins, and Dr. Darrick Briscoe will lead the service. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, allowing friends and family to come together to share memories and offer their condolences. Brenda will be lovingly remembered by her pallbearers: Jimmy Baughman, Steven Brown, Dewayne Southerland, David Chenault, Gerald Hughes, Craig McKitric, and Jared Southerland. Interment will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.

Brenda’s laughter, love, and light will continue to live on in everyone she touched. She will be forever remembered for her caring heart, her joyful spirit, and the way she made everyone feel like family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/brenda-hughes-final-expense-fund/14703/