Dr. Empress-Janeen Hughes, the first-born child of Donald R. Hughes and Barbara Medea Hughes, was born with a "Perfect Smile" on August 29, 1982 at Langley Air force Base in Hampton, VA. She passed away December 12, 2011.

Empress was born with a variety of rare and special gifts that made her quite unique and extraordinary; some of these early gifts were compassion, kindness, honesty and patience. In the early stages of her life, Empress began reaching out to others by extending just one of her hands, and encouraging them to smile no matter their situation. She wanted everyone to be happy all the time; and not just on Sundays. At the age of four, Empress began her amazing journey while just pretending to be a doctor.

Empress attended and graduated with honors from the following schools; Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC, Barry International University in Miami, FL where she earned a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Biology, Harvard University in Boston, MA where she earned a Master's Degree in Microbiology, Virginia Tech College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Medicine, and The Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at Mercer University School of Medicine.

Left to cherish her accomplishment, perseverance, and legacy are her parents, Donald R. Hughes and Barbara Medea Hughes; sisters, Topaz A. Hughes and Destinee A. Hughes; relatives, the Hughes, Wilkes, and Richardson families; and a host of many colleagues and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Saturday at the Church.