Jermerle Hughes

JERMERLE (JAY) LAMONT HUGHES was born on March 21, 1973 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Patricia Ann Mayo Hughes and George Hughes II. He ascended into heaven on April 12, 2021 at the tender age of 48. He was raised in Uptown Albany, NY alongside his four younger siblings. He later assisted his father with nurturing his two youngest brothers. While he was never officially married, he referred to mothers of his children as his wives.  Destiny Mann, Tracey Tull- Belcher, and Ijunanya Holder. Together these amazing women and he created three beautiful daughters. 

Jermerle had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a big heart. His jokes and loving aura could cheer up the saddest person.  He was known as a great storyteller or a “preacher” as some would say. He was very long winded, but his long-winded conversations always came packed full of advice or jewels. His big heart helped him become a gracious giver. Whether it was time, money, or advice he was there to help the ones he loved. Family was everything to him whether it was blood relatives or close friends that grew into relatives over time, if you were his family, he would do any and everything to help you to the best of his ability. He was sincere, trustworthy, confident and a powerful leader. He never forgot to always give the glory to God (Most High). 

He loved sports (i.e., Chess, Bowling, Softball, Basketball, Football), mentoring to the youth, and spending time with family and friends creating everlasting memories. Combining his love for sports and mentoring he became a basketball coach at TOAST Elementary School. While coaching there he was able to inspire and teach many young boys how to be a team player in life and on the court. He was admired by his team and many of their parents. Jermerle loved to give back to his community and becoming a devoted basketball coach was just one of the many ways he gave back to the community of Albany. He was strong believer in building character and mentoring the youth, while teaching them valuable life lessons. He viewed all children as a gift from God and the future of the world. 

Jermerle was a hard-working man. While he had many jobs throughout his life, the two jobs that are most notable are the Times Union and the City School District of Albany. He was employed as a News Carrier for over ten years with the Times Union. Regardless of the weather or his body being tired he was committed to ensure that community members received their newspapers in a timely manner. He was viewed as an exemplary worker who took his job serious and established relationships with his customers. He was employed by the City School District of Albany as a security guard for over twenty years. He started at the former Harriet Gibbons High School. He worked at several other schools within the district which included Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology, William S. Hackett Middle School and Eagle Point Elementary School. He was always willing to go to the school that needed him most.  Jermerle was loyal, dedicated, and took pride in his career. Even after his health prevented him from continuing to work for the school system, he planned to open a daycare as he once had when he was younger. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his 3 daughters Keyontaya (Montel), Naji- Capri, and Jahnyla. His 2 bonus children Travḕl Tull (Yellow- Boy) and Renaya Holder- Kelly. 2 grandchildren Syncere Cartel Tull (Yellow boy son) and Trenton Michael- Jay Ijeomah. His 6 siblings George III, Anthony (Donna), Raven, Tyrell (Jeanne), Walter, and Jeffery. Also, with a host of other close family members, friends, co-workers, and teammates. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong personality and feisty spirit. His memory will continue to live on within all of us. Jermerle is gone but never will he be forgotten.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their condolences, called, texted, sent flowers/cards, and posted online. Your warm thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Letter to Daddy

To Daddy From Key, 

I’m so thankful that I got to spend 27 years of my life with you. You were and still are my superhero. I’ve witnessed you overcome so much and still manage to smile and make jokes for other people to smile too. I definitely get my sense of humor from you ☺️. While I’m super sad to say goodbye to you physically I know that the 5 min rule is still in effect with you spiritually. Since a little girl I’ve looked up to you not only as my dad but also literally (lol your super tall) I will continue to lift my head high and “look up” to heaven when I need you. I will look up to you when I need to see your face, hear your voice, need some advice, a big bear hug, lol or even a sloppy wet kiss on the cheek. I can see you up there at so much peace and while I’m sad to not see you here with me I’m more so happy to see you up there with God pain free! I’ve gained the best guardian angel I could ever ask for! I can’t wait to tell Trenton Michael- Jay all about his brave, funny, loving, and sometimes nutty grandfather. Forever a daddy’s girl! I love you always and forever my daddy Jermerle (Jay) Lamont Hughes ❣️. You were my first best friend and I know I was yours.

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