LeVonia Weldon Hughes, 79, Orange

LeVonia Weldon Hughes, age 79, of Orange, Texas, was a 3 time cancer survivor with 12 cancer-free years since her last battle.

She always had a positive attitude during these challenges, and everyone from her doctors to fellow patients marveled at her unfailing smile and optimism.

Sadly, she was unable to defeat cancer a 4th time and passed away at home on Friday, September 8, 2023 in Orange, Texas.

A memorial service honoring LeVonia will be held at 3:00 PM, on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Dorman Funeral Home.

Visitation of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the services, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at Dorman Funeral Home. LeVonia was born to proud parents Eunice and Weldon Sailes, on November 4, 1943, in Jefferson County, Texas. In 1956 she moved from Port Arthur, Texas. In 1968 LeVonia married Kenneth Hughes.

They steadfastly enjoyed 49 years together, through thick and thin.

LeVonia made a career in public service where she eventually retired from the State of Texas as well as the City of Bridge City. She was involved in the community, being a member of the PTA, a BSA den mother, as well as being active in the cancer charity Relay For Life. She had a deep love for crafting; ceramics, painting, scrapbooks, genealogy, collecting cookie jars, angels and vintage dinnerware were among her many passions.

She adored her grandsons, and holiday get togethers were the highlight of her years. The greatest lesson in life she passed on was “fight for what matters, always forgive, and smile from your heart.”

LeVonia is preceded in death by her parents Eunice and Captain Weldon Sailes; husband, Kenneth Hughes; and daughter, Aurora Leigh.

Those left to cherish LeVonia’s memory are sons, Tony Elyas and Luke Hughes; brothers, Frank and Ricky; grandsons, Jordan and Layne; three sister in laws; dozens of nieces and nephews; lifelong friends, Rita Laughlin, Cleo Martin, Elaine McManness, Mary Lou Denson; a life full of coworkers; and her beloved rescue dog, Roxie.

LeVonia was a kind and generous soul, who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in LeVonia’s honor be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.