Barbara A. Hughes, age 60 of Malvern, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at her home after a brief illness.  She was born on May 30, 1961 in Fukuoka, Japan to the late Leon Conway Denman and Betty Jo Thompson Denman.  Living in many places around the world as a military child, she was reared and educated in Florida, and had been a resident of Malvern since 1993.  Barbara was a member of Salt Life Church in Malvern.  She gained a love for driving at an early age because her father raced cars, so part of her life was dedicated to driving a school bus.  She was also a driver for South Central Arkansas Transit (SCAT).  Barbara was an avid reader and wrote journals of her life for many years.  A doting mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she loved spending time with family.

She is survived by three daughters: Amanda Hughes of Malvern; Nicole Kellebrew and her husband, Daniel of Haskell, and Jessica Hall of Malvern;  a son, Thomas L. Hughes of Malvern; three sisters, Odessa O'Neal of Malvern; Debbie Denman and Joanna McGrath; and a brother, Matt McGrath, all of Florida; 16 grandchildren, Nathan Shuffield, Sky Hughes, David Hughes, April Renae Crews, Briana Lynn Crews, Madison Nicole Crews, Ariana Jane Crews, Jadyn Kellebrew, Bradley Gay, Easton Gay, Finley Kellebrew, Ahlijah Hughes, Kaylee Hall, Justice Hall, Zaniyah Camel, and Jaden Hall; and by four great-grandchildren, Hazel Lynn Hoover, Jasper Shuffield, Carson Graham, and Catalina Graham.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hughes, Sr. and a son, Donald Hughes, Jr.

A visitation will be held from six until seven o'clock Thursday evening, November 11, 2021, at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.