Sally Kassimatis Hughes

Sally K. Hughes, 93, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.

She was born in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, the oldest of three children and only daughter of Peter and Christine (nee Pavlakis) Kassimatis. She was the salutatorian of her high school class and went to work at Westinghouse after graduation. In 1954 she married Lloyd (‘Pinkie’) Hughes, and in 1967 they moved to Johnson City with their four children. She returned to work in the early 70’s and retired from the VA at Mountain Home in 1991. She lived in Johnson City until 2022, when she moved to Knoxville.

Sally was extremely well-read and was especially interested in politics and social justice. In the 1980’s she volunteered with Peacelinks, a group concerned about the threat of the nuclear arms race. Sally and Pinkie were accomplished ballroom dancers, and enjoyed dancing together for more than 60 years. She was a skilled baker and made hundreds of cookies each Christmas to give away to family and friends. Her family was everything to her. We are left with wonderful memories of family gatherings and ‘cousins week’, a time each summer when she and Dad hosted their six grandchildren for a week of fun including visits to Dollywood, the water park, and the Lost Sea. She loved animals and we sometimes referred to her house as the Johnson City Dog Spa. In her retirement years, she took up gardening, a hobby she excelled at until she was 90.

In addition to her parents, Sally was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, and her brother Emmanuel (‘Mike’) Kassimatis. She is survived by her youngest brother James Kassimatis, and her children Susan Hughes (Mark LeMay), Tom Hughes (Wendy), Jim Hughes, and David Hughes. Also surviving are her six grandchildren: Allison Johnsen (Kenny), Jason Hughes (Marissa), Jordan Babelay, Mary Allen (Kyle), Brandon Hughes, and Lauren Barrett (Jessy). Ten great-grandchildren also survive.

Sally’s family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 12:00 pm. A committal service will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Mountain Home National Cemetery in the Historic Section.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter (https://wcjcanimalshelter.org/) or to the Lloyd A. and Sally K. Hughes Scholarship at East Tennessee State University. Please send contributions to: ETSU Advancement, PO Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614 or visit www.etsu.edu/give. Make checks payable to the ETSU Foundation and include on the memo line the fund name and person’s name for whom the gift is being made.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Hughes family. (423) 282-1521