Alvertis James Hughes, 25, left us unexpectedly on June 18, 2022, with his family by his side at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Affectionately known as “AJ,” he was born on May 4, 1997, in Harrisburg, Pa., to Alisa Ann Hughes of Statesville and Jerry Arnold Garner of Harrisburg, Pa.

AJ enjoyed the outdoors, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and dogs. He was a kind and gentle soul with nothing but kindness and a giving spirit. AJ would do whatever he could to help anyone. He always had a hug, a smile, and a “I Love You” at all times.

He was preceded in death by an uncle, James “Jimmy” Hughes of Pennsylvania, and an aunt, Porten Lond of Statesville.

He is survived by his only son, Okeon Josiah Napdean Hughes (age 6); his mother, Alisa Ann Hughes; one brother, Alex J. Hughes; one sister, Alevus J. Hughes; two brothers-in-arms, David Perry Jr. “Noopy” and David C. Rinehardt “Bobby,” both of Statesville; two sisters-in-arms, Annette Hughes of Statesville and Nitea Long of Harrisburg, Pa; his father, Jerry Arnold Garner; one brother, Drai Miller; three sisters, India Miller, Canie Miller, and Jade Miller, all of Harrisburg, Pa.; his paternal grandmother, Mary E. Hughes (James Hughes deceased); his great aunts, Maggie McCann Barbee and Sheila Lowry of Statesville; his Aunt, Cindy L. Gladden (Ramon) of Virginia; aunt Candy M. Hughes of Statesville; three uncles, Barry E. Hughes (Grace), LD Hughes, and Anthony Powell, all of Statesville; and a host of cousins, family, friends, and loved ones from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home, Statesville, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery, Statesville.

Visit the book of memories for Alvertis James Hughes at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Hughes family.