Hollis E. Hughes Jr.

Hollis Eugene Hughes Jr. passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at his home. Hollis was born on March 14, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of Hollis Hughes, Sr. and Susan Marie (Brummell) Hughes who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Roxann Pedesclaux Hughes and brother Wade (Pamela) Hughes of Altadena, CA.

Hollis grew up in South Bend and was a graduate of Central High School. He began his professional life as a teacher in the local school district. His dedication to education later led him to serve and become president of the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees.

A proud alumnus of Ball State University, Hollis’s commitment to his alma mater was deep. He served as president of the Board of Trustees from 2011–2014, and earlier as board secretary from 2006–2011. Mr. Hughes was instrumental in helping to shape the growth of the Ball State campus, especially during the Ball State Bold and Cardinal Commitment capital campaigns. His retirement from the Board was commemorated in 2017 with the naming of Hollis E. Hughes Jr. Assembly Hall in the Alumni Center. In 1989, Hollis received the Outstanding Black Alumni Award from the Black Alumni Constituent Society, as well as the Benny Award from the Ball State University Alumni Association.   His numerous years of service were recognized with one of Indiana’s highest honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash, presented by former Governor Mike Pence—an award that deeply moved and surprised him.

Hollis’s impact extended far beyond the university. An advocate for community development, he served as president and CEO of the United Way of St. Joseph County, where his leadership left a lasting imprint. Upon his retirement, South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke remarked that Hollis taught others that “Doing good is good, but we need to be accountable and have measurable outcomes.”

A devoted brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Hollis carried equal pride in the fraternity’s distinguished black and gold colors. On August 9, 1965, he founded South Bend’s first and only chapter, Beta Xi Lambda, establishing a legacy of leadership and service that continues to flourish.

Throughout his life he held numerous leadership roles, including director of South Bend’s Model Cities Program, the Bureau of Housing, the St. Joseph County Housing Allowance Office, the Housing Assistance Office Inc., and executive director of the St. Joseph County Housing Authority.  In addition to a commitment to equity and civil rights, he served as chairperson of the Indiana Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, helping lead state discussions on civil rights issues facing Muslims and Arab Americans following September 11, 2001. His contributions can also be felt in The Civil Rights History Project: Survey of Collections and Repositories, curated by the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center.

Along with his wife Roxann, Hollis is also survived by their children Genevieve (Marques) Forbes, Terrance (Tracey) Johnson, and Aran (Michele) Johnson, Sister-in-Law Renee (Brian) Flynn, Sister-in-Law Odele Penn, grandchildren Erika, Juliana, Leah, MJ, and Maison, as well as nephews Nicky, Lloyd, and Sean.

He is also lovingly remembered by aunts Patricia Clark of South Bend, IN, and Erma (Dale) Phillips of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Special in his life are cousins Paula (Don) Grandison, Stacy Clark of South Bend, IN, Romney (Carl) Seaburg, Indianapolis, IN, and Courtney (Gabriel) Loera of Tukwila, WA. He adored his nieces Britney (Vincent) Buckles, Erin (Joey) Keary, and Dawn (Andrew) Thompson. He is also survived by many cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Lavera Knight Hughes and his mother-in-law Ida Knight.  Recognition and deep gratitude to dear friends Mark Herro, Emma (Sue) James and to Joann Taylor, whose years of dedicated care for his mother-in-law, Ida, continued with the same compassion as she faithfully cared for Hollis.

Above all, Hollis will be remembered for his integrity, compassion, kindness, wisdom, and his unwavering dedication to serving others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olivet A.M.E. Church (Youth Programming), 719 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617.

Funeral services for Hollis will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Olivet A.M.E. Church. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the start of services. 

Palmer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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