Pastor Kevin Hughley-8-9-2025

Pastor Kevin Hughley was born on April 12, 1960, at Fitken Hospital in Neptune, New Jersey, to the late Juanita Saunders. Kevin and his four brothers were raised in a God-fearing home, and he was known for being hardworking and generous. He graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1978 and continued his education at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ.

At an early age, Pastor Hughley accepted Christ into his life at Second Baptist Church in Asbury Park, NJ, under the leadership of the late Reverend Vernon R. Matthews. In 1988, he joined United Fellowship Baptist Church in Asbury Park, NJ, under the leadership of Rev. Elliott Cuff. There, he began to share his love of music by playing for the Men’s Choir. He was also appointed to serve as a Trustee in the Trustee Ministry.

His love for music continued to flourish, and in 1989, he accepted the position of Musician and Director of Music for the Male Chorus at Second Baptist Church in Long Branch, NJ, where he faithfully served for 15 years. He was also frequently requested to play for various churches within the Seacoast Association, especially during special services such as funerals, anniversaries, and in the absence of regular musicians, among other occasions. Pastor Hughley’s musical endeavors also included being an active member of the United Mass Choir of Monmouth & Adjacent Counties and the Seacoast Mass Choir. He also served as the musician for the Youth United for Christ Choir.

In 1984, Pastor Hughley began his career at New Jersey Natural Gas Company as an Accounts Collector. In recognition of his dedicated service and strong work ethic, he was honored after 25 years of service by being named a “Lamp Lighter Inductee” in 2009.
In 1991, Pastor Hughley married Deborah Wade. They were blessed with two beautiful children and proudly raised their daughters, Kerryn and Kyla, in Neptune, NJ.

In January 2007, he was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel by Second Baptist Church in Long Branch, NJ, under the leadership of Pastor Aaron N. Gibson Sr. After receiving his license, he served as an Associate Minister at Second Baptist Church until he was called to pastor Bethany Baptist Church in Farmingdale, NJ, in June of 2012. He was ordained and installed by the Permanent Council of the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association on April 28, 2013. After becoming a Pastor, he received the Appreciation Award for Outstanding Service to the Laymen’s Movement on July 23, 2016. Pastor Hughley faithfully served as the Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church until his passing.

In addition to serving the Lord, he enjoyed serving others. He loved cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. Everyone was always welcome, and you could always count on a hot meal. He had a passion for cooking and hosted many Mother’s Day events at Bethany Baptist Church. Cooking was truly his God-given gift.

Pastor Hughley passed away on July 28, 2025. Even during his final months, he knew he was safe in the arms of Jesus Christ and remained steadfast in his faith.

He was predeceased by his mother, Juanita Saunders, and his brother, Darryl Hughley. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 33 years, Deborah Hughley; daughters, Kerryn Brown (Jerell) and Kyla McClusky (Kendall); brothers, Wayne Hughley (Ophelia), Clarence Saunders, and David Saunders (Samantha); grandchildren, Jerell Jr. and Cameron; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.