Virginia Sue (nee Owens) Hudson brought the love of God, family and friends and a lifetime of knowledge, determination, and perseverance to this world. She was known by her friends and family as ‘Sue’ and epitomized infinite generosity, kindness, grace, and quiet dignity. “At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are, and you know what you want.” -Lao Tzu

Born on November 16, 1936, to Charlotte Thomas, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, Sue’s early life was shaped by faith and family; being the second oldest daughter of nine siblings. She was baptized at an early age and received her lessons in Christianity at Temple Church of God in Christ. Throughout her entire life, her faith and love of Jesus ordered her every step and every word. She grew up in the Church of God in Christ, and the community and life lessons learned in the church radiated throughout her life.

Sue met and married James Charles Hudson in 1964 and they were blessed with two amazing daughters, Kimberly and Nicole. The Hudsons were a great family unit; when you saw one, you saw all four. James and Sue raised their daughters in suburban Chicago where the family enjoyed vacations, cultural experiences, attending church, and participating in other social activities. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” -Lao Tzu

Education was always a priority for Sue. She matriculated in Memphis, Tennessee where she attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated from LeMoyne College in 1960. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and the many certifications that allowed her to specialize in reading and library sciences. She shared her love of learning for more than twenty-five years as a Chicago Public School Teacher at William G. Beale Elementary School where she taught several elementary school grades; shaping many minds and future leaders. After retiring from the Chicago Public Schools in 1993, she returned to Memphis and joined the Shelby County School System as a first-grade teacher at Wells Station Elementary School. She genuinely loved her students and challenged them to be wise beyond their young years.

Upon returning to Memphis, she and James joined Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (MBCC), where she enjoyed fellowshipping with her Bible study members and sisters’ groups. Sue’s many interests and activities included a number of things. She absolutely loved chatting with her friends, having “the ladies” over for lunch or communicating virtually with others. Any opportunity to engage with friends and family was time well spent and truly filled her soul. She was a ferocious learner and enjoyed friendly competition whether it be a game of cards or an online strategy game. Sue was especially savvy with social media and leveraged Facebook to stay connected with old friends while making new friends from across the globe.

Sue was a self-proclaimed political activist and advocate for the underserved. She was passionate about equality and preserving our democracy; donating money to political organizations/causes as well as to charities. She participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s by actively engaging in sit-ins and protests, thus demonstrating her love for her people and a deep belief in equality for all. “Silence is a source of Great Strength.” -Lao Tzu

She leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by her two daughters, Kimberly (Ashley David) Danley and Nicole Hudson; grandchildren, Nicholas and Carmen Danley; brother, Pastor Bill (Deborah) Owens; sister, Lillian Handcock; sister-in-law, Lois Sanders; brother-in-law, Thomas (Julia) Hudson; god-niece, Stephanie Ferreira; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hudson; mother, Charlotte Thomas; sisters, Mattie B. Lloyd, Delois Ann Lee, and Eddie Mae Young; and brother, William R. Owens.

“Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.” -Lao Tzu

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 10:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church 8220 E Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125.

Internment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.