Daaimah Aqueelah johnson-Hughes' Obituary
Daaimah Aqueelah Johnson-Hughes of Ferguson, Missouri was born on December 27, 1978 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Millicent Vera Jamerson and Hershel Evans Johnson, Sr. (departed). Before being changed, Daaimah was originally named Daaimah Aqueelah Yamini. The name given to her by her father helped earn her the nickname “D.A.Y.”
Day was the third born of her father’s children; as a little girl Day attended primary school at both Pentecostal Christian Academy and Saint Matthews Lutheran Church, where she was later baptized. From the womb, music always moved Day. A couple of her favorite artists were Michael Jackson and Prince. The energetic little Day loved to sing and dance endlessly. Day used music to uplift her spirit and the spirits of those around her.
Day received her diploma at Cardinal Ritter College Prep. She completed her Associate’s Degree in Business Management at Sanford Brown College. Her Bachelor of Science in Business with emphasis in International Business was obtained from Columbia College.
As a young girl, Day attended San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly, along with her grandmother and family members. Day loved the word. Day met her husband while working in downtown Saint Louis. Daaimah (Johnson) Hughes married Eddie D. Hughes, Jr. in April of 2003 at Agape Christian Center in Jennings. Day and her husband purchased a home and of their union two wonderful children were born. Their daughter, Niyah K Hughes (2003) and son, Mckenzie K. Hughes (2005). As an adult she joined and became a very active member of Shalom City of Peace, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Freddy James Clark. Her passion was singing in the Next Generation Choir; she always reminisced about their music competition in Las Vegas.
For over a decade she was an educator for the Special School District of Ferguson- Florissant bringing her passion for music into the classroom. With her unconventional use of singing and dancing, Day made strides with unique and special children of all backgrounds. Her students made noticeable improvements in both life skills and scholastics.
In 2021, Day suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, putting her in a coma for several weeks and leaving her left side paralyzed. Day’s ferocious fearlessness showed through her therapy, through her therapy growth she learned to walk and talk again. She discovered many support groups and became a beacon of light by sharing the word of God. She empathized with the struggle of others and offered words of wisdom and encouragement to everyone.
She leaves to cherish her memory: the love of her life ~ Eddie D. Hughes, Jr.; daughter ~ Niyah K. Hughes; son ~ Mckenzie K. Hughes; mother ~ Millicent V. Jamerson; Brother ~ Jahmil E. Johnson; sister ~ Scharnae A. Johnson; brothers ~ Herschel E. Johnson, Jr., Patrick C. (Vanessa) Johnson, Lloyd E. Johnson and Isaac H. Johnson; along with a host of beloved family members and lifelong friends.
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