Germaine (Jeri) Anna Hughes

OBITUARY OF GERMAINE ANNA HUGHES

Germaine Anna Hughes (Jeri), a beloved spouse, mother, veteran, business leader, and tireless advocate for justice, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C., after a courageous seven-year battle with lung cancer. She was 73 years old. Born on April 30, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jeri was known throughout her life for her sharp intelligence, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those around her. A graduate of Maple Heights High School, she went on to serve her country honorably in the United States Navy from November 1969 to November 1973, as a Torpedoman aboard the USS Wahoo. Her service earned her numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Following her military service, Jeri pursued a successful career in business, becoming President of JMB Linen Management LLC in Rahway, New Jersey. JMB Linen provided all the linens for the very best restaurants in New York City. Jeri’s leadership and drive helped shape the company’s success and defined her as a trailblazer in her field. She was adored by the company’s employees. In September 2005, Jeri transitioned, embracing her true self at 54 years of age. Amazingly, at the time, she confided to the Family that she had felt she was in the wrong body since she was only two years old! What courage and grace this decision required! In March 2009, she legally changed her name to Germaine Anna Hughes. From 2006 forward, she became a fearless and deeply compassionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community—particularly the transgender community—fighting for visibility, dignity, and equal rights. She never sought personal recognition for this effort. She was simply determined to right the grievous wrongs that so many victims of sexual discrimination had experienced. Since 2009, Jeri worked as a Workforce Development Specialist with the D.C. Department of Employment Services. Through her work, she helped hundreds of D.C. residents find meaningful employment, offering not just professional support but also mentorship, kindness, and unwavering belief in their potential. She was greatly appreciated. Jeri is survived by her spouse, Anastasia Kulchytska; her loving daughter, Casey Martin, and son-in-law, Dr.Wally Martin; her cherished grandchildren, Liam and Mirella Martin; her devoted brother, Louis Hughes and sister-in-law, Candice Hughes; her precious niece, Brittany Hughes; her nephews, Brian Hughes and Klaus Meierdierks; and very importantly, her dedicated extended transgender family of Earline Budd, Tania Duran, and Denise Leclair. Her family, friends, and the many lives she touched through her advocacy and public service mourn the loss of a vibrant and principled soul. Jeri’s legacy is one of service, authenticity, and profound love. She lived with strength, spoke with truth, and walked a path that continues to inspire. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but for the lives she changed and the communities she lifted up with her unwavering presence. In honoring Jeri’s life, we celebrate a remarkable woman who made the world better simply by being in it. The Hughes family is extremely grateful for the outstanding care provided for seven years by her oncology team at the VA Hospital in DC under the leadership of Dr. Steven Krasnow. Through the VA Hospital’s innovative use of immunotherapy, Jeri experienced a very high quality of life for almost all of the period. Her mind remained razor sharp and she was both physically and professionally active. She even purchased a 1980s 45 ft. sailboat, the Grace, had the energy to refit it with her devoted friend, Denise Leclair and sailed the yacht multiple times in the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing the high seas was her true passion. A Celebration of Life for Jeri will be held at the Metropolitan Community Church at 474 Ridge St NW, Washington DC 20001 at 1pm on May 10, 2025. Please honor the extraordinary contribution this exemplary woman has made to the LGBTQ+ community by attending. In lieu of flowers, the Hughes family has requested that donations be made in Jeri’s memory to the LGBTQ Burial Fund of the Capital Pride Alliance.