Annie Mae Cage Hughes

In Loving Memory of Annie Mae Cage Hughes

February 25, 1940 – May 25, 2026

Annie Mae Hughes peacefully transitioned at home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, surrounded by family, love, and prayer.

Born in Florence, Alabama, to David Cage Sr. and Lila Mae Johnson Cage, Annie was the eldest daughter in a large family. From an early age, she learned responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of caring for others. In 1956, her family migrated to Lima, Ohio, seeking greater opportunity and a better future.

Annie often described herself as her mother's "love child." She believed she was placed on earth to love people unconditionally, stand with those who felt forgotten, and remind others they were never alone. Her life reflected that belief.

In 1961, Annie married Donald Hughes Sr. Together they built a family and welcomed four children: Donald Hughes Jr., Margaret (Hughes) Sumpter, India Hughes, and Daniel L. Hughes. Motherhood was one of Annie's greatest joys and sacred callings. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church members, neighbors, and friends who often adopted her as a second mother or grandmother.

A woman of deep faith, Annie answered a lifelong call to ministry. In 1973, alongside her husband Donald, she helped establish The Future Church of Tomorrow in Lima, Ohio. At a time when women pastors were uncommon, Annie faithfully preached, taught, prayed, encouraged, and served her community for decades.

She was a gifted storyteller, songwriter, baker, mentor, entrepreneur, pastor, and servant leader. Her collection of reflections, Annie Mae's Small Nuggets, captured lessons learned through hardship, healing, forgiveness, faith, family, and love. Her zucchini bread, butter rolls, songs, prayers, dreams, and wisdom became cherished gifts to those around her.

Throughout her life, Annie overcame rejection, loss, illness, and disappointment. Yet she chose compassion over bitterness and grace over resentment. Her enduring message was simple: choose love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David Cage Sr. and Lila Mae Johnson Cage; her husband Donald Hughes Sr.; siblings Robert and Bonnie Cage, David Cage Jr., Mary Ann and Jimmy Jones, Titus Cage; her grandson Marcus Hughes; former stepdaughter Cheryl Robertson; Angela Henderson, and many beloved family members and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Donald Jr. (Cheryl), Margaret (Maurice), India, and Daniel Lamar; her 17 grandchildren, 11great-grandchildren, and a host of grand pets; surviving siblings Madge Cage, Frank (Denise) Cage, Regina (Kevin) Dansby, and Belynda (Matt) Miller, Sue Cage; extended family; church family; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Bridge Hospice team, Mo Sumpter, Ron, Lisa, and Joey Wrasam, Alexandra Houston, Gina Daughtery, Natasha Hampshire, Tim Lett, family caregivers, friends, and all who lovingly supported Annie during her final season.

Annie's legacy lives on through every life she touched, every prayer she offered, every meal she shared, every song she sang, and every act of love she gave.

"To know me is to love me. To love me is to know me."

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Annie Mae Hughes' honor to The Future Church of Tomorrow through Superior Credit Union, or to a charitable organization of your choice that reflects Annie's lifelong commitment to faith, service, compassion, and community.

Annie Hughes Celebration of Life Service and Reunion

Saturday, June 27, 2:00–9:00 p.m.

Ottawa Metro Park

2632 Ada Road

Lima, OH 45801