Patsy Jo Hughes

Patsy Jo Hughes, age 84, of Herrin, IL, formerly of the Cave-In-Rock, IL area, passed away peacefully at 1:39p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.
She was born on November 2, 1940, in Cave-in-Rock, the daughter of Edward and Josephine (Martin) Frailey.
She attended school in Cave-in-Rock and was a graduate of Cave-in-Rock High School Class of 1958.
Patsy was united in marriage to Dean Hughes on September 19, 1959, in the Methodist Church in Shawneetown and together they shared 65 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on August 13, 2024.
For over thirty-six years, she was affectionately known as "Ms. Patsy" while working as the school secretary for Cave-in-Rock and Hardin County School System. Her tenure as secretary saw her working with many students and school faculty members throughout those thirty-six years. Throughout her years there, her work often unofficially included being a "nurse" and "counselor," as well.
For many years, Dean and Patsy were members of the First Christian Church of Cave-In-Rock. After they moved to the Herrin area, they became members of the First Christian Church of Herrin.
Patsy loved cooking, decorating, shopping at Hobby Lobby, and enjoying a cold Coca-Cola. She adored her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of her most treasured times were taking family vacations to Gatlinburg, TN creating special family memories together.
She is survived by her son, Tony Dean Hughes and his wife, DeAnn, of Shiloh, IL; three grandchildren, Christopher Hughes and his wife, Jenna, of Smithton, IL, Paige Mund and her husband, Lucas, of Waterloo, IL and Rachel Rowe of Chicago, IL; two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Mason Hughes of Smithton, IL; son-in-law, Michael Rowe of Glenview, IL; brother, Max Frailey and his wife, Phyllis, of San Antonio, TX; and many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Hughes; and daughter, Jenifer Jo (Hughes) Rowe.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Following the time of visitation, the memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Unger presiding.
Inurnment will follow in Cave Hill Cemetery in Cave-in-Rock.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be directed to the "American Heart Association" and/or "Hospice of Southern Illinois." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Patsy, please visit our Tree Store.