Rita Hughes

January 9, 2026

John 14:2–3

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Rita Gayle Hughes, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She had made Kingsport her home for the past 20 years.

Rita lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication, love, and quiet strength. A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, Class of 1969, she built a long and successful career, holding many roles throughout the years and earning respect wherever she worked. She concluded her professional journey at Raytheon Technical Services Company in Southern California, where she later retired after years of devoted service.

She found great joy in quilting, sewing, and staying active through exercise. Her creativity and steady presence were gifts to all who knew her. Above all, Rita was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her greatest pride was the family she nurtured across generations.

She is survived by her daughter Melanie Early and son-in-law Steve; her stepson Tony Hughes and his wife Rhonda; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Shelby Carver and Dreama Gasaway, her niece Amy Ross, several other close nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and neighbors who became like family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy K. Hughes; her parents, Arnold and Marcella Brown; her brother, James R. Brown; and her nephew, Corey Brown.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, Tennessee.

The family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Rita will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.