On Sunday, November 26th, 2023, Juanita Elizabeth Hudson, known affectionately as Nani, spread her wings and joined the angels at the age of 90. A funeral mass will be 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at St. Williams Catholic Church with Father James Dorman officiating. A rosary will be Monday, December 4, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M, with a visitation following until 8:00 P.M at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. A graveside service will be Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2:30 P.M., at D/FW National Cemetery.
Born on the 20th of March 1933, in Newport News, Warwick County, Virginia, to Sallie May Boone and Joseph Pulliam.
Juanita is now reunited in eternity with her parents and brothers, Leamon Boone and Chester Lee Boone.
Juanita's journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and service. In 1951, she graduated from Phenix High School in Hampton, Virginia, before uniting in marriage with Leroy Hudson, the love of her life, on June 24, 1951. They shared four sons, two daughters, and a stepdaughter. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them and their family across the globe. She supported Leroy's many deployments in locations such as Hawaii, Okinawa, Philippines, Germany, Minnesota, New Jersey and beyond. Her role as a military wife and homemaker was a source of pride for Juanita, and she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved a nice cup of hot tea in a pretty teacup or a cup of coffee with enough cream to reflect her complexion.
Juanita was an active member of the League of Women Voters, Church Women United, Women's Guild, and the Friendship Tea Group. She believed in helping others, donating to numerous charities and was a staunch advocate for Hunt County Child Protective Services. She was a long-time active member of St. Williams Catholic Church. She loved and found profound joy in teaching 4th-grade CCD for several years at St. Williams. She enjoyed bowling, playing Pokeno and Mexican Train, affectionately referred to as ''Game night'', attending book club, lunch bunch and for a time her weekly Knit/Crochet group at the library.
Juanita was a collector of beautiful things, amassing teacups, tea pots, LLADRO, angels and crosses. If you admired something she had, she'd lovingly give it to you and wouldn't. take "no" for an answer. In 1992, the Greenville Herald Banner featured Juanita in an Opinion/Essay by Carol Ferguson, recognizing her as one of the twelve most beautiful people in Greenville. ''Juanita Hudson…a joyous smile combined with a fierce devotion to the welfare of abused children.''
Juanita loved people and people loved her. She was approachable, had a beautiful spirit and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Her husband Leroy meant the world to her and she to him. They were married for over 72 years and loved each other wholeheartedly. She loved her family unconditionally and was always ready to encourage, inspire, console, reprimand and tell her loved ones ''I Love you much.''
She cherished her beloved cats and looked after them with love until she couldn't anymore.
She had a special bond with Ed, Rochelle and Regina Sweat, Diane, Sherry, Mary and countless others. In Juanita's eyes, everyone was special in their own way.
Juanita is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy Hudson, her sons Leroy, Tony (Rosie), Carl, and Craig, daughters Cynthia Ellis (Fred), Corye Taylor (Charles), and stepdaughter Portia Coleman, daughters-in-law Dale and Merry. Her legacy extends through her grandchildren Colin, Angelique, Shannon, Michael, Krystal, Freddy, Cedric, Charina, KeShawn, step grandchildren Tamara, Ebony, Kwame and Zakia as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loving family and friends.
The memory of her beautiful voice and smile will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched and her impact on the community will be felt for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude.
Condolences(3)
Dinah Rainey
Greenville, TX Tuesday, December 5, 2023 My heart aches to hear of the passing of this beautiful lady. I played Mexican train, knitted at the library and book club with Mrs. Juanita. She was such a joy to be around. Prayers for Mr. Leroy and family.Denise Wood
ANNA, TX Saturday, December 2, 2023 We found out about Juanita's passing this morning from Fr. Paul W. I was in shock and my heart sank. Juanita was one of a kind and she will be greatly missed. She would never fail to say to me, "Thank you for being in my life." And when my grand daughter wasn't with me she would ask, "Where's our girl?" "Our" girl, referring to Rochelle and her. She would always say that we needed to have coffee together but unfortunately we never got to do that. I keep in my heart the warm hugs and kisses after Mass every Sunday when Juanita would exit the church. We made sure to wait for the Hudsons and Sweats.My sincere condolences to you, Leroy and family, as well as dear friends Rochelle, Ed and Regina.
Sylvia R. Peace
Greenville, TX Friday, December 1, 2023 Ms. Juanita was such a delightful person! I met her when I worked at the library and she was in the book club and the knitting club. I always looked forward to her visits at the lbrary, but especially the bookclub meetings with her and the rest of the club. We would also host an Adult Tea Party and she and Ms. Rochelle would always lend me their tea pots and cups for centerpieces. It was so thoughtful to share her special pieces. <3 She and the other ladies in "her generation" that were regulars in the book club always reminded me of my mom (who was also of the same generation) and they always helped me not miss her so much. She was a sweet angel on earth so I know she is flying high with her loved ones that passed before her. Much love and prayers to Mr. Leroy and the family!