Gloris Ann Hughes-Rahmaan

On the afternoon of August 25, 2025, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Gloris Ann Hughes-Rahmaan, age 77, peacefully transitioned from this life surrounded by her loving family. Services for Mrs. Rahmaan will be Saturday, September 06, 2025, at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel, at 1:00 p.m. She will Lie-In-State one hour prior to service time. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

Gloris Ann Hughes was born on Monday, April 26, 1948, in Fayette, Alabama, to the proud parents of Lonnie and Sylener Hughes. Raised during difficult times, Gloris affectionately known as Ann, often shared stories of her early years of picking cotton, stripping cane, pulling corn, babysitting, and cooking meals over a wood-burning stove for her entire family at the tender age of only seven years old. Even in the face of hardship, she displayed strength, determination, and resilience. Education was her passion, and she excelled as an honors student, impressing her teachers with her writing ability and sharp mathematical skills.

Ann graduated from West Highland High School in 1966 and attended Alabama A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a History major and an English minor in 1970. She eventually went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

In May 1970, she married Theodis O. Rutledge (later Rahmaan), and together they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Angel Rahmaan, Lanika Rahmaan-Ibeh, and Tralia Rahmaan. Although their marriage did not last, their union brought forth the greatest joy and legacy of Ann’s life which were her children and grandchildren.

Her professional career began as a teacher with the Buffalo Board of Education, but in 1972, Ann transitioned into federal service, beginning an extraordinary career with the United States Department of Defense at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. Over the next three decades, she rose through the ranks as a Contracting Officer, Supervisory Contract Specialist, Procurement Analyst, and Principal Acquisition Analyst. Her assignments took her to Sacramento, Warner Robins, San Antonio, Fort Walton Beach, and various locations across the country. She was entrusted with contracts worth billions of dollars and earned a reputation as a brilliant, dedicated, and respected leader in acquisition and contracting.

Her many awards and recognitions included the Outstanding Civilian Meritorious Award, numerous Letters of Commendation, Superior Performance Awards, and the prestigious Leon White Employee of the Year Award. Ann’s commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on the Department of Defense and on the countless colleagues she mentored throughout her career.

After retiring from federal service, Ann continued to serve the private sector with distinction. She worked as a Technical Writer with Advanced Core Consulting, assisting Department of Defense personnel on multi-billion dollar contracts, preparing and reviewing technical documents to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Gloris later served as a Principal Acquisition Analyst with CACI, providing contracting support to the Missile Defense Agency. In this role, she administered multiple hybrid contracts, performed cost and technical analyses, managed audits, and ensured full compliance with federal acquisition regulations. She also continued to teach, impacting the lives of countless children.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ann was deeply devoted to her faith. At an early age, Ann confessed Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Unity Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. John S. Lacey in Fayette, AL. Ann often shared stories about the afternoon notebook singings, when she and others would ride on the back of a truck to different churches to take part in the music. Those singings were some of her fondest childhood memories. She remained an active church member wherever life took her, and her final church home was Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, starting under the guidance of Rev. Gary L. Faulkner and ending under the leadership of Rev. Eddie M. Jones. She was a faithful servant until her passing.

The role dearest to Ann’s heart, however, was being a grandmother. She was a doting and exceptional “Grandma” to her grandson, Darius Roddrick Rahmaan. Her love for him was boundless. She would walk through a brick wall for him. He was her pride, her joy, and the center of her world. Their bond was unshakable and will live on forever.

In addition, she was a proud and loving grandmother to her foster grandson, Eric “Magic” Johnson, whom she embraced with the same depth of love and care. Ann delighted in staying connected with Eric, sending gifts and encouragement, and cheering for his successes with pride.

Moreover, Ann was a woman of joy, love, and passion. She cherished time with family, enjoyed traveling, was a sports enthusiast, and appreciated the fellowship of good food, laughter, and music. She loved concerts, was an avid collector of vintage décor and artwork, and she was a formidable card player where she had a knack for being victorious with whatever game she played. She treasured shopping and dancing, and she was actively engaged in her community, serving as a dedicated member of her Homeowners Association, including a term as Vice President.

Her cooking was beyond compare. It was soulful, flavorful, and prepared with the kind of love and care that nourished both body and spirit. Her fried fish was golden and crisp, her cakes were rich with homemade goodness, and her meals gathered family and friends together in joy. Ann was wise and freely shared her wisdom with those around her. But above all, she was a fighter. She fought for her rights, she fought for her family, and she fought for all who knew her. She was an exceptional mother who spent her entire life mothering her children with unwavering love, devotion, and strength.

Gloris Ann Hughes-Rahmaan was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Lanika Didesie Rahmaan-Ibeh and Angel Rahmaan; her parents, Lonnie and Sylener Hughes; her brothers, Lonnie Hughes, Jr., Chester Hughes, Ester Hughes, and Lennon Hughes; and her nephews, Chris Pruitt and Kelonnie Hughes.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter, Tralia Jamika Rahmaan, Esq. of Memphis, TN; her adored grandson, Darius Roddrick Rahmaan of Memphis, TN; her cherished foster grandson, Eric “Magic” Johnson of Bogalusa, LA; her former husband, Theodis O. Rahmaan of Uniontown, AL; her beloved sisters Joicy Lean Lark of Huntington Station, NY; Shirley Hughes-Young of Memphis,TN; Gwendolyn Nalls of Fayette, AL; Lena Faye Hughes (Michael Hill) of Fayette, AL; two loving Aunt Ruthie May Paynter of Woodbury, NJ, and Willie Nell Sudduth of Fayette, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives; along with numerous colleagues and friends from across the country.

Her strength, wisdom, faith, and unconditional love will remain a guiding light for all who knew her.