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Everaleen S. Hough was born in 1932 to Lee Vander "Pa-pa" Stradford and Bessie Seegers in Lancaster, South Carolina. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, Tom and Janie Eley, after her mothers passing. She was educated in the school systems of Lancaster and Washington D.C. Ultimately, their small family relocated to Tampa, Florida. As a resident of Tampa, Everaleen graduated from Middleton High School and became a member of Mt. Olive Church.

With a sound home training, Everaleen began to pave her way and use entrepreneurial and craftsmanship skills instilled in her. Everaleen had a passion for cooking. She sold sweet potato pies throughout the city and became affectionately as the "lunch lady", a title that represented a culmination of her entrepreneurship and pioneering. With determination and grit, she founded Houghs Catering and at the business peak she had a fleet of six catering trucks. If you ever stayed at her home, you were employed in the catering business with the expectation of putting in work to her standards. Houghs catering was an amazing accomplishment! Everaleen and her lifelong partner, Willie Singletary in the bay area. In her mid 20s, their adventures began as he was a truck driver, leading them to spend much time traveling on the road together. Everaleen embraced her adventureous spirit in her youth, riding motorcycles with Willie and journeying to North Carolina and South Carolina to visit family often. They shared a love for attending the dogtrack, fishing, visiting casinos, and taking day cruises, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime. Everaleen's impact extended far beyond her culinary achievements. She was a retired employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation. She was also a pillar in her community, employing young people, allowing them the chance to earn money and instilling in them a strong work ethic. Her talents were diverse, ranging from cooking to upholstering and sewing, skills she inherited from her auntie Janie who had her own upholstering business. Everaleen's hands were always busy, whether she was crafting dresses for prom or refurbishing car seats. Her boundless energy and hustle were matched only by her devotion to her family. Her caring heart showed as she was always willing to feed those in need. She was a dedicated landlord. Many came to know her as someone willing to work with anyone to provide them housing. Due to this, she established an immediate community right outside her front door. Those living on her properties were loved by Everaleen, and they came to love her in a short time. Everaleen's journey was one of hardship and triumph, of sacrifice and success. She embodied the spirit of resilience, blazing trails as a pioneer, entrepreneur, and nurturing mother.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, a testament of love and the pursuit of dreams. Everaleen was preceded in death by her father, Lee Vander "Pa-Pa" Stradford; mother, Bessie Seegars Stradford; grandson, Alvin Christopher Johnson; granddaughter, Donyse Hough; great-grandson, Kadence Crumity.

Everaleen leaves to celebrate her life and memories: her five devoted children, Johnny Marvin Hough (Ruthe), Diane "Chipper" Reeves, Evelyn Carol Johnson (Eldon), Steve Hough (Pam), Donald Hough (Justine); grandchildren, Tekka McCray (Ben), Kim Gantt, Kieti Gantt, Brittany Hough-Carter, Ayana Reeves, Shadonna Copeland, Christina Johnson, Sheena Hough, Cedric Hough, Keith Hough, Briana Ricks, Justin Melendez (Natalie), Donoven Hough (Isabella); great-grandchildren, Tyjai, Devin, Audrianna, Destiny, Aumonie, DonNiqua, Jhabri, MeDricka, Eddrin, Aubrey, Alvin Christopher Johnson Jr, Anaya, Javen, Jakobe, Kairo, Kali, Ryland, Raven, Chase, Trace, Keith Jr., Christopher II, Emily, Journi; caregiver, Joyce Gaffney, and a host of other beloved family and friends.

Calling/Visitation Hours
Friday, May 10, 2024
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610

Graveside Service
Saturday, May 11, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rest Haven Memorial Park
4615 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610