Jo Ann Hughes

Jo Ann Hughes, a resident of Watts Group Assisted Living, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Hopewell, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Anthony Sylvester and Margaret (King) Sylvester. Jo Ann loved to dance and became Head Majorette at Prince George High School. After graduation she went to work at Petersburg General Hospital in the payroll department until she met and married the love of her life Marshall in Petersburg, VA. She left her job to focus on raising their two children whom Jo Ann loved, nurtured, and spoiled.

The family later moved to Maryland where she enjoyed boating, dancing, hanging out with their friends, and most of all, being a great mom. Jo Ann was talented dancer and had fun being an instructor of the original Jacki Sorensen Aerobic Dance for her neighborhood friends. After her children were grown, she went to work at Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Upper Marlboro, again working in payroll and administration. She retired after 20 years of service, much loved by everyone she worked with. After retirement, Jo Ann and Marshall moved to Easton, Maryland where she loved decorating her new home, going to fitness classes, and going out on the boat.

Jo Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her delicious meals, her warm smile and hugs, and gentle soul.

Jo Ann is survived by her very devoted husband Marshall Hughes of nearly 67 years, and their two children Vicki Lynn Peters (Bob) of Crofton, MD and Frederick Marshall Hughes (Robbi) of Chester, MD. She is also survived by her sister Shirley (Sylvester) Levendoski (Dick) and her nieces Carol Miller (Steve) and Susan Myers. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan Hughes (Kaitlyn), Joe Stocker, Justin Stocker, Lindsey Steele (Jason), Tyler Hughes, Sarah (Stocker) Hughes (Josh), and Anthony Hughes (Jessica), along with eleven great grandchildren.

The family would like to recognize and thank June, Ann, and Althea for their loving care of Jo Ann for the past 8 years. There are not enough words to express our gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo Ann’s name to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

A Memorial gathering will be held at the Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20715 on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2:30pm to 3:00pm where a Memorial Service will follow at 3:00pm at the funeral home.

Interment services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 2:30pm at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, VA 23805.

We invite all to join us for a dinner reception immediately following each service. Venue and directions will be provided at each service.