On January 18th, 1937, Mary Jean (Sook) Parks-Hughley graced the lives of parents Mr. Eddie Raven Parks, Sr. and Mrs. Leola Harris-Parks in Molena, Georgia.

Through God's love and her parent's guidance, the family and yes, the world received a phenomenal matriarch, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, civil rights activist, cook, and most remarkable singer.

Mary Jean was the 2nd of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Cozetta Parks-Passmore, and Eddie Raven Parks, Jr. Mary Jean was educated in the Pike County School System, graduating from Pike County Consolidated High School in the Class of 1957.

Mary Jean worked in the Pike County School System for many years in the Cafeteria as an Assistant Manager and Dietician.

Mary Jean caught the eye of Roy Hughley, and they were united in holy matrimony and celebrated 64 years of marital bliss, supporting each other in their individual and collective endeavors. Fruits of this union are Angela V. Hughley, Roy Hughley, Jr., Gregory M. Hughley, and Stanley B. Hughley.

At an early age, Mary Jean joined Old Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Concord, Georgia. She has worked tirelessly in the church all of her life. Over the years she has served in many different capacities which have included Program Committee, Usher Board, Mother's Board, Women's Mission, Sunday School Teacher, Senior Choir, and OMC Combined Choir. Sook was truly a "Songbird" singing 'I'm Going to Work Until My Master Say's Well Done' and the group she enjoyed singing with the most was the "Parks Sisters" which consisted of her and three of her sisters: (Annie Maude, Olivia, and Patricia). The Parks Sisters traveled near and far lifting up the Name of Jesus through Song. Always wanting to give back and help prepare the next generation, she founded the Educational Aide Group in the church to assist young adults attending college with expenses.

Mary Jean Parks-Hughley was a child of God and a helper to those in need. She always believed God will make a way. She would always say, if you know someone has a need, don't make them ask, just fulfill the need.

Mary Jean gained her wings and flew to Jesus on August 19th, 2023, at 12:25 A.M. She leaves to cherish her memories husband: Roy Hughley, Sr.; Daughter: Angela V. Hughley; (3) three Sons: Roy Hughley, Jr., Gregory M. Hughley, and Stanley B. Hughley; Godson: Chris Worthy; Grandchildren: Cedric Brown, Sharice Watson-Wilkins, Maria Adoracion Hughley, Martin Hughley; Great-Grandchildren: Cedric Brown, Jr., Aliyah Brown, Shavion Brown, Caleb Wilkins, Adorcion Hughley, Heisel Hughley, and Ayana Brown; Sister's Annie Maude Hines, Olivia Holmes, Mae Beckham, Patricia Beckham, Linda(Robert) Parks, Lettie Jean McIntyre; Brother's: James (Mildred) Moreland, Arthur Parks, Charles (Betty) Burden; Sisters-in-love: Betty Alexander, Elizabeth (Arthur) Childs, Geraldine Hughley; Brother-in-love: John Hughley; Uncle: Henry Milner; Aunt: Bertha Parks. Special cousins: Gladys Willis, Corine Walker, Keanan Hutcherson, and Rainy Parks-Frazer. Special nieces: Sharon Passmore, Karen Alexander, and Orteria Hamm. Special Friends: Shirley Flemister, Loretta Grier, Harold Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends will dearly miss her.

Home Going Care Entrusted to McDowell's Funeral Home, Inc.