Judge William Du'Vall Hughley

Obituary For Judge William Du'Vall Hughley

Judge William Du’Vall Hughley was born on September 21, 1962, in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia, to Mrs. Johnette Hughley and the late Mr. Willie G. Hughley.

At an early age, William confessed Christ as his Savior and joined Saint Mary AME Church. In his youth, he served on the Usher Ministry, attended Sunday School, taught Vacation Bible School, and served as YPD President at St. Mary AME Church. His leadership extended beyond the local level as he served as State President of the YPD. He served as a stewart under Pastor E.L. Martin and Pastor Eason. He also aided Reverend R.B. Bass with the renovations of the church's exterior and served as treasurer under Bishop Guidry. His lifelong commitment to service was rooted in his upbringing and his love for Christ and the church.

William attended Robert E. Lee Institute, graduating in 1980. He furthered his education at Gordon College for one year before enrolling at Morris Brown College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in Education in 1985. Following graduation, he began his career as an educator, where he was widely known for his kindness and willingness to help others.

William was united in marriage to the late Kimala C. Brown of Thomasville, Georgia. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Travion J. Hughley and Peraizia Hughley. He also welcomed a daughter, Aaliyah Hughley, with Catricia Gwyn.

In 1985, William was the first Assistant Athletic Director at the Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center. In 1986, he became the first African American elected to the Thomaston City Council for District One. He served one term and was recognized as one of the youngest Black elected officials in the State of Georgia. He also served as an educator at East Thomaston Elementary School and R.E. Lee Junior High School for five years.

In 1991, William began a distinguished career as the first African American Magistrate Court Judge in Upson County. He was appointed by the Federal Court in the Middle District of Georgia in Macon by the late Honorable Wilbur D. Owens. He received his judicial training through the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education (ICJE) at the University of Georgia and served in this role for over 25 years.

At the time of his passing, William was employed at Roosevelt Warm Springs as an Admissions Counselor for student residents. During his time there, he also taught Law and Order classes for over ten years.

William was deeply involved in his community. He served as President of the Emancipation Proclamation Committee for two years and worked alongside the late Upson County Commissioner George E. Trice, Jr. to establish the first African American Carnival for the Emancipation Celebration held in the Lincoln Park Community. In 2012, he became President of the Downtown Committee, contributing to the continued celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation in the Bethel Street Community.

Throughout his life, William received numerous certificates, awards, and recognitions from his church, employers, and community. Among his most notable honors were the 2011 SCLC Achievement Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to Mankind and the George E. Trice, Jr. Governmental Services Award presented in 2025 at the Emancipation Committee of Heritage Awards Banquet.

William enjoyed attending church, reading, watching the news, keeping up with politics, working with ECU, traveling, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by Darren D. Hughley, Kelvin D. King, and his father, Willie G. Hughley. On Monday, April 27, 2026, his spirit took flight and returned to his Heavenly Father. His memory will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Mrs. Johnette Hughley; three children, Mr. Travion J. Hughley, Ms. Peraizia Hughley, and Ms. Aaliyah Hughley; nine grandchildren; brothers, Mr. Stacey (Vanessa) Hughley, Mr. Anthony (Glenda) Hughley, Mr. Gregory (Retina) Hughley, and Mr. Roderick (Kim) Gilbert; aunts and uncles, Linda Leonard, Carrie Zorn, Virginia Zorn, Gail Zorn, Helen Zorn, Charlie Zorn, and Andrew Lee; his beloved fiancée, Ms. Chericka Lane Collins of Gray, GA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Judge William Du’Vall Hughley leaves behind beautiful memories. His love will continue to guide us, and though he is no longer seen, he will always remain by our side.

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