Karson Jace Hughes, 10, of Little Rock, Arkansas entered this world June 4, 2012, and peacefully left for his heavenly eternal home February 24, 2023.

Carrying forth his memory, Karson leaves behind his father, Thomas Hughes, bonus mom, Amanda Hughes, mother, Lacey Cunningham, two of the best big sisters, Kylie and Emily Cunningham, and best friend and brother, Zaine Hughes. Karson also has several grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a slew of friends. He is preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Sharon Loy Stinnett, maternal great grandmother, Ila M. Pevehouse and grandfather, Kenny Pevehouse.

Our Karson's ineffable spirit burned hot and bright in his short ten and a half years. He will be affectionately remembered as a charmer and the quick-witted funny guy even though some of his jokes never made sense. Along with superhuman powers of getting family and friends to never tell him no, he had an intense love for video games and dogs that could not go unnoticed. When not tucked away behind a screen, Karson loved running, playing, and all things water. The water was Karson's happy place. Throughout his final days, you would most likely find Karson relaxing in a warm bath. There was a passion for music stored inside his soul. His eclectic catalog of genres was impressive. Just when you thought you would never agree in taste, he would belt out every word to your favorite song.

Karson faced pediatric cancer with a resilience and fortitude that inspired all who knew of his story. While cancer stole so much from him, it showed us a side never seen before. Karson fought cancer as a mighty warrior. He remained positive on days he felt the worst. He was a pillar of strength on days when we felt like crumbling. When medical professionals would deliver a grim prognosis, he would shrug his shoulders and ask what's for dinner. The amount of optimism embodied in his heart was inspiring and worthy of praise. Karson had a heart of gold. He loved so many and was loved by so many more. He had a magnificent smile and a vibrancy that even just one encounter with him, you would remember him for life.

He was beautiful, ridiculously funny, and a sweet and loving boy. There are zero words that can truly describe the emptiness Karson's passing leaves us with. While we are absolutely devastated, we are relieved to know that he is free of this broken body and can do the things he loved the most again in Heaven. The family wants to thank those who have supported us throughout Karson's journey. A special thank you to all the staff from Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Arkansas Hospice that we met along the way. To everyone, we are forever grateful to each one of you.