Annie B. McGaughy

Annie Beth McGaughy (King) was born on September 11, 1939 in Beau Mississippi to the union of Charlie Mae King and Robert Martin. She was the oldest of two children.

Annie (affectionately known as “Ann”) was blessed with ten children and one preceded her in death.

She received her education at Hyde Park School where she graduated completing all her general studies. She later attended cosmetology school at Joliet Beauty College and displayed what she attained through caring for her many grandchildren. 

She was baptized at an early age and was a part of many ministries throughout the years that allowed her faith to grow stronger and stronger.

Ann married George Ellis Jr. and moved her family from Chicago to Joliet, IL in 1982. George preceded her in death. In 1991, she found love again and married Samuel McGaughy. Together they raised and cultivated their family until he preceded her in death.

She was employed during her tenure in various occupations including security, home healthcare, and being the “Big Mama” of the family. Her family was the highlight of her life and her safe place. She was so excited when her twin grandsons Deonte and Devonte Cunningham, whom she raised since birth, graduated from High School, and went on to further their education by attending college. Her words were “They made it!”  They made it with the love and support she provided each day.

Ann had a big heart that would make anyone gravitate towards her. If you lived anywhere in the neighborhood, you knew Ann. She opened her door to anyone who needed a place to live, support, or just motherly advice to help them along the way. She had every kid on the block coming to buy some candy from her candy store or sliding some flaming hot Cheetos in their pocket when she turned her back. Although that was hard when she always had her grandchildren on security. Her love was so infectious, and she was everyone’s “Big Mama.”  

There were grandchildren that would always be right there whenever she needed them from an early age. She was very instrumental in developing, nurturing, and providing a blueprint for the following grandkids that were glued to her hip or spending countless summers in her care:  Sanquinetta, Amin, Kiona, Robert, Maitea, Brittany, Dexter, Anthony, Deonte, Devonte, Demonte, Iraiel, Jorge, Antoine Jr, Evans, Antoinette, Antoine Keejaun, Brittney, Sierra, Cornell Jr., Tasha, Demond, Dominique, Chasity, Jasmine, Anthony, Drake and Albert.

Ann was a fighter and she never let her health challenges define her. She pressed on each day with her granddaughter Kiona Hudson taking care of her every need. Although she was not mobile as she once was, she remained true to her character. She continued to serve while going through her storm.

After a long and courageous battle with her health, God called His Angel home on July 24, 2024, at 2:05am with her family praying by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Charlie Mae King and Robert Martin; daughter; Cynthia Hudson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: nine children; Robert Hudson, Darlene Hudson, Denise Hudson, Antoine (Dayatra) Hudson, Cornell Cunningham, Louis (Tianna) Cunningham, Albert Cunningham, Renee Cunningham (Benga Omotayo), and Ira (Amanda) Cunningham; one sister; Betty Jean Cameron; a plethora of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to name; one nephew; Brandon Cameron;  and a host of relatives and many close friends. 

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