Mrs. Mahailiah Hughes

Mahailiah Hughes, age 80 of Gallatin, passed away peacefully May 29, 2020. Mrs. Hughes was a lifelong resident of Sumner County, Tennessee, born on August 26, 1939 to the late Abram and Volney "Babe" Graves.
Mahailiah’s professional life was a dedication to public service. In 1965 she started her career working as a deputy court clerk. In 1978 history was made when Mrs. Hughes was elected Circuit Court Clerk becoming the first female elected to a Sumner County Office. During 36-years in office, she enjoyed working with many Judges, Attorneys, Deputies, Jurors, and the public in the Circuit, Criminal and General Sessions Courts. Mrs. Hughes’ dedication and knowledge of her office went far beyond the boundaries of Sumner County. She served as a role model and mentor to numerous clerks across Tennessee. Mahailiah’s peers recognized her as the Most Outstanding Tennessee Judicial Court Clerk and the Outstanding County Official for the State of Tennessee. Mrs. Hughes was a member and Past Registration Chairman for the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials, and Treasurers. She is a Past President of the County Officials Association of Tennessee and, in 2018 was honored to be inducted a member of the Association’s Hall of Fame.
In 1955 she married the love of her life, Ronald Hughes, who preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her niece, Phyllis Searcy. Mrs. Hughes is survived by her children, Teresa (Tim) Bennett and Glenn (Jerrie) Hughes; grandson, Aaron (Calesha) Pickard; deeply devoted great-granddaughter, Vivian Pickard; great-grandson, Anderson Pickard; sister, Naomi Scott; and brother, Lee Alton "Tom" Graves (Cora Ellen).

Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, May 31, 2020 from 2:00-6:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Gallatin. Mrs. Hughes will be laid to rest beside her husband in a private entombment service at Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to the Saints and Sinners Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church Gallatin c/o Charles R. Tomkins, PO Box 741, Gallatin, TN 37066 or Alive Hospice North Team, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. The family requests that anyone attending the visitation adheres to the social distancing guidelines as directed by the funeral home staff at the church.
Arrangements Entrusted To: Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin Phone: (615)452-9059, Obituary Line: (615)675-5193 www.sumnerfuneral.com