Lela Mae Hough
Lela Hough Obituary
Mrs. Lela Mae Hough, age 87, of Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Lela was born on August 29, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Eleanor Mauldin and Willie James. She spent her early life in Alabama before relocating to North Carolina, where she met and married the love of her life, Johnnie Hough Jr., who preceded her in death.
While living in North Carolina, Lela worked in the textile industry and was a faithful and active member of The Holiness Church in Badin, North Carolina. Her deep love for God and her church community guided her life and inspired those around her.
Lela was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She enjoyed listening to blues music, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her joyful spirit, nurturing heart, and quiet strength were a blessing to all who knew her.
She leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Lauren Bouyie, Johnny (Kim) Hough, Steve (Wendy) Hough, Reginald (Carla) Hough, and Timothy Hough.
She also leaves 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren: siblings, Otha Braziel of Youngstown, OH; Shelton James of Alabama; and Paula James, Karen James, Margarette James, Von James, and Johnny James, all of Cincinnati, OH. In addition to her immediate family, Lela is mourned by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends who will miss her dearly and remember her with love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor Mauldin and Willie James; her beloved husband, Johnnie Hough Jr.; and her siblings, Milton Copeland, Robert Mauldin, Pete James, Joy James, Odessa James, Fannie Pickett, Michael James, Cathy Martin, and Ruth Salter.
Visitation will be Monday, August 4, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Rd., Youngstown, OH. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.
The family finds peace in knowing that Lela’s legacy of faith, compassion, and love will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15
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