Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, God called Mrs. Shawndyl Geneva Smith Hughes home to His Kingdom of Glory after a hard fought battle with breast cancer and other health complications that arose.

She was born June 28, 1965, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Mabelene Burnett and Walter Frank Smith. Shawndy was raised in Eccles, WV. Shawndy was a graduate of Liberty High School in Glen Daniel, WV. Her formal education included an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting and General Studies in 2011; she also earned her a certificate in Medical Transcription in 2012, all from Mountain State University, Beckley, WV. Shawndy also earned a certificate as a National Veteran Caregiver through the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2015. In 1981, she became a devoted member of St. Paul Baptist Temple, where she faithfully served for over 40 years. When she first arrived in Beckley, she worked everywhere she could to ensure that her family had everything they needed and more. During her career, she worked at Pinecrest as a cook/cleaner; Prime of Life, Manor House and Rescare as a caregiver. Shawndy also worked as a cook at Hardee’s, a cashier/clerk at Dollar Tree, and a medical billing specialist at Healthcare Management Associates. It would be safe to assume that her work experiences as well. The work that Shawndy was most proud of was when she was serving the Lord; glorifying God was her number one purpose. She did not care what the assignment was, whether it was being a youth matron, a Sunday School cook, a praise and worship leader, tending to the senior saints, cleaning the church or making herself available to serve the church, she loved being able to just serve. Shawndyl was diligent in her service to the church until she was diagnosed with breast cancer and her illness along with the stroke caused her to be hospitalized. Even in the hospital before the massive stroke, Shawndyl was still encouraging others with her “Shawndyisms” for example: “You gotta do what you gotta do and don’t give up”, “I’ll be praying for you,” “Call me if you need anything or come see me or I’ll come to you, you hear me?”

Shawndyl fought hard in her fight, and she was not going to allow her illness to defeat her; even in sickness, her smile and laughter could brighten your darkest day, and it was just a joy to be around her. She was always there to help if you needed it, an angel on earth in every sense of the word. Shawndyl never met a stranger and she made friends along her life journey that would often become family in her eyes. She was a mother to children everywhere and a sister to anyone. If your spirits were low, she would do her best to bring them up with kind words and a warm embrace. Shawndyl did not lose her battle to cancer, she did not lose her battle to the stroke nor to COVID, Shawndyl won, she obtained the victory through Christ Jesus, and she is forever healed and WHOLE.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Mr. Lonnie Hughes; two amazing sons, Derrick Herring and Darrell Smith-Hughes; stepsons, Lonnie Jr. (Sarah), Allen (Natalie) and Dimitri Hughes; one precious granddaughter, Cylie Ellianna June Musick; ten step-grandchildren, Khenadi, Khasydi, Khayson, Khaiden, Isaiah, Lexi, Alexavier, Izayla, Garret and Nathaniel; three brothers, Victor Andre (Elder Denise), Walter Scott “Scotty” and Shawn William Smith; one uncle, Bishop Benny Scott and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.