In Memory of Shameeka Hughes

in loving memory Shameeka "Meek No Milly" Hughes AUGUST 27, 1979 – NOVEMBER 6, 2022

Friday, November 18, 2022 5-7 p.m.

A. Barrett Funeral Services 427 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233

order of service Welcome Bishop Al Jackson Musical Selection Nina Cunningham (friend) Scripture (Old & New) Bishop Al Jackson Prayer of Comfort Bishop Al Jackson Poem EZ Musical Selection Dahkaysha Jones (daughter) Reading of Obituary Lawrence Hughes (brother) Sophia Hughes (niece) Reflections Slide Show Acknowledgments Benediction

Shameeka "Meek No Milly" Hughes August 27, 1979 - November 6, 2022 Shameeka Hughes was born in Brooklyn on August 27, 1979 to Lawrence (deceased) and Brenda Hughes. She was known as Meeka to her family, friends and extensive community.

Right from the start, Meeka was a constant source of light and joy, bursting to share her talents with the world. At the age of four, she learned how to play the piano. Meeka was always a happy child whose gaptoothed smile lit up a room.

Her laugh could make everyone laugh and no one could test her heel toe! Meeka loved to dance to all types of music but had a special place in her heart for hip hop. You could often find her on YouTube watching a rap battle or Respect Life, which was one of her favorite shows.

Growing up, Meeka was introduced to her appreciation of grammar and pronunciation in grade school spelling bees. She never missed an opportunity to remind people of the difference between “specific” and “pacific,” with the care and patience of a life-long tutor. She didn’t want to correct people; she wanted to help everyone achieve the best for themselves however she could.

Over time, she found great personal fulfillment in supporting others to find their own joy. Meeka had many friends and was the kind of person

who would listen to you talk about anything. She gave great advice and even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, she was so wise that her words made you sit and think.

If there’s one thing Meeka did not play with, it was her food. She was an impressive cook, throwing down on family favorites like fried chicken and candied yams. It especially made her happy in later years to make deviled eggs and pigs in a blanket for her best friend and sister Chanelle. And anyone who had ever hung out with her knew about her love of cheese and heard her say more than once, “Go get me another piece of cheese out the fridge!”

Shameeka was a graduate of local schools, including Boys & Girls High School (BGHS).

Shortly after leaving BGHS, Meeka started her journey to motherhood in raising Dahkaysha, her eldest daughter, followed by her daughter Dalkira and her son Ezekiel.

She briefly studied human services at the College of New Rochelle's Brooklyn campus.

Before she passed, she was planning to return to complete a degree in social work.

While she held many positions throughout her adult life as a poll worker and working in transit, she was most passionate about her work as the P.S. 214 PTA president, her Decatur Street and BX neighbors, and being dedicated to her family. Even after she left Decatur Street for the Bronx, she visited frequently—she especially couldn’t bear to stay away from her mom for too long.

Meeka was a mother, sister, daughter and friend to many. She is survived by her mother, Brenda, her sisters Chanelle and Starr; and her brothers Lawrence and Terrence; her three children Dahkaysha, Dalkira, Ezekiel; her adopted son Kevin Smith, Sr.; two grandchildren, Kevin and Keir; her nieces and nephews Briah, Lawrence, Sophia, Eva, Terence, Tyler, Diamond, Amil, and Nadia and countless friends and extended relations.

Her relationship with her neighbors went beyond the block; her people were her family. She raised her kids to be a part of their neighborhood, teaching them to be generous and choose giving over taking.

Her greeting, “Siiiiissssterrrr!

You’ve been on my mind!” will ring in the ears of those who were lucky enough to be loved by her forever and ever.

Mom...

Your smile can light a thousand hearts Your laughter dries all tears.

Your gracious never-ending love Can take away all fears.

There are no words that can come close to defining who you are You are my rock, my anchor, and my shining North Star It's an honor to follow in your footsteps, To become all I can be Because I have you in my life, To love and guide me Thank you Mom, for all you've done, And for everything you do This world is a better place, Because of Mothers like you I love you

acknowledgements To everyone who has been supporting Shameeka's family and friends: Meeka's life has been a blessing to so many that we are heartbroken but held. Thank you for your comfort at this time.

We love you and may God bless you.

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever