Sandra Hughes, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was called home on May 16, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on July 27, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA, Sandra's journey through life touched many and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. She passed away in Steubenville, OH, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sandra lived a life full of faith and joy. Her interests were simple yet profound—she found delight in playing bingo and spent countless hours praising Jesus, always reminding those around her of the power in His name. Her enduring words to her daughter Jessie Ateeya Bolek were, "When you can't say anything else, say Jesus!" This was a testament to her unwavering faith and the strength she drew from it.

Sandra was educated in the Philadelphia School District, and later pursued a post-secondary education, at Berean Institute in Philadelphia where she graduated in 1978 with an Associate's in Business with a focus on stenography. She pursued opportunities as an executive secretary, however, she ultimately landed her first stenographer role with the Valley News Dispatch newspaper in Tarentum, PA

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Stanley Hughes and Ethel (Wingfield) White; stepfather Reid M White; her late husband, John W. Maxwell; and her brothers, Richard T. Hughes Sr. and Robert L. Hughes, whose memory she cherished deeply.

Sandra is survived by her devoted family: daughter Jessie Ateeya Bolek (Robert David Bolek), sons Robert Hughes, Mahdi El, John W Maxwell (Najeeb Z. Seifullah Bey), and Alfred Maxwell. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: LaShymir Hughes, Shaun Green, Michael (Heru) Bonner, Lord Z. Seifullah Bey, Nuriel Seifullah Bey, Anubis T. Seifullah Bey, Bella Rain Maxwell, Brenda Maxwell, Johnny Maxwell, Trent Arthur Bolek, Jesse Louis Bolek, Nyazia Bey, Qayyum El, and Qawiyya Bey. She was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Avery Maxwell. In addition, she leaves behind her sister Jacqueline Oliver, brothers James Hughes, Alvin Hughes, and Martin White, and dozens of beloved nieces and nephews.

Sandra's teachings will forever echo in the hearts of her children. For her sons, especially John and Alfred, she imparted the lesson to stand up and fight for what is right, "You better fight if somebody messes with you"—a lesson that transcended into every aspect of their lives. John reflected, "I love you mom; you taught me to fight for mine! I didn't realize till much later that this applied to everything in life! Thank you for putting that fight in me!"

Her firstborn, Robert, fondly recalls her expressing the special place he holds in God's eyes, aligning him with the wisdom of the scriptures "You are my firstborn and are special in God's eyes. Because as it is written in the law of the Lord, every first-born male is the Lord's".

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, at the Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville. Sandra's legacy will be celebrated in the hearts and stories shared by those who were enriched by her presence. Her life, filled with faith and love, continues to inspire all who knew her. May her spirit find peace, and may her memory be a guiding light to her family and friends.