Joan Poston Hughes

Mary Joan Hughes (née Poston) “Joan” of Fort Wright passed away on September 22, 2025.

Born on October 11, 1938, in Newport, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Cecil Francis Poston and Mary Agnes Poston (née Duvelius). She was married for 67 years to her loving and devoted husband, Terry. Joan leaves a beautiful legacy of family, friends, and accomplishments. Cherished for her fierceness, her kindness, and her joyful, fun-loving spirit, she will be profoundly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Brilliantly smart and naturally curious, Joan graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in history, and again a few years later with an MBA. She received honors both times. Her intelligence often shined through during conversations about current events, history, or genealogy, which were favorite topics of hers. She exemplified a strong sense of conviction while always maintaining openness, respect, and compassion towards others.

Joan epitomized “give more than you take” every day of her life. She was a friend to everyone and a mother and grandmother to whoever needed one, regardless of immediate ties. She devoted her life to her family, not only as their tireless advocate, but as a vivacious joy maker. Joan never missed a reason to have a good time. Her door was always open, and she was always ready to welcome her loved ones for an after-school visit, a Sunday get-together, or a cherished holiday celebration. She never turned anyone, or any creature, away. Throughout her life she cared for many animals, all of which were drawn to her caring and doting nature. Nothing was ever too big of an ask for Joan, who would happily help her loved ones in whatever way she could.

At Christmastime, Joan’s house turned into a real-life North Pole as she would make thousands of Christmas cookies for friends, neighbors, and family. Joan’s cookies were so famous that, at times, their reputation preceded her. An avid crafter and talented seamstress, Joan made countless decorations, ceramics, wreaths, birthday shirts and hats, and Halloween costumes for her family. Her memory will surely be kept alive, and her love will continue to be felt through the many items she lovingly crafted for them. Through her radiant spirit and selflessness, the greatest lessons she shared with us is the importance of kindness, the value of celebrating life authentically, and the act of showing up for one another.

Joan had a strong Catholic faith that carried her through both challenging and happy times, which she always handled with grace. Her life reflected her heart and strong sense of faith.

She is survived by her husband Terry, her sons Matthew Hughes (Lynn) and Patrick Hughes (Michelle), her nephew (who is truly a son to her) Jeff Poston (Danielle), and her grandchildren Meredith Hughes, Nicholas Hughes (Cara), Kevin Henke (Megan), Patrick Henke (Robyn), Stephen Henke (Paige), Emma Hughes, Julia Hughes, Brody Poston, and Jacob Poston. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Eileen Poston, James Poston, Thomas Poston, Patricia Frost, Rosemary Dean, William Poston, and Robert Poston, and her dearest daughter Monica Hughes Henke (Pete).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 9:00am at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, Kentucky, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Joan will be interred at St. Mary Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky.

Memorials are suggested to the Monica Hughes Henke Children’s Fund, benefitting the families of Learning Grove in need of financial assistance, c/o the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, or www.gcfdn.org/mhcf. Memorials can also be made to the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption 1101 Madison Avenue Covington, Kentucky 41011.

To leave an online condolence for the family or to share a story about Joan, please visit: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com