William Henry Hudson, Sr.

The moment that you left me, my heart was split in two; one side was filled with memories: the other side died with you I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep; and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday; but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain; you see life has gone on without you. but will never be the same. From a Spoiled Wife To a Trophy Husband

“My Hero”

You held my hand when I was small You caught me when I fell You are the hero of my childhood And my later years as well And every time I think of you My heart still fills with pride Though I will always miss you Dad I know you’re by my side In laughter and in sorrow In sunshine and in rain I know you’re watching over me Until we meet again.

Love ShellyAlways, & Bill

“When Great Trees Fall”

When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety.

When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence, there senses eroded beyond fear.

When greats souls die, the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile. We breathe, briefly. Our eyes, brielfy, see with a hurtful clarity. Our memory, suddenly sharpened, examines, gnaws on kind words unsaid. promised walks never taken.

Great souls die and our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us. Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened. Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away.

We are not so much maddened as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dear, cold caves.

And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a king of soothing elecrtric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.

Love Always, William Hudson, Jr.

A GrAndfAther Just Like You

I Just want to let you know you mean the world to me

Only a heart as dear as yours Would give so unselfishly

The many things You’ve done

All the times that you were there

Help me know deep down inside

How much you really care

Even though I might have said I appreciate all you do

Richly blessed is how I feel

Having a grandfather just like you.

Always- Ben

Life’s Reflections

William

Henry Hudson Sr. was born on October 23, 1942, to Mr. Cleophus and Mrs. Genella Clark Hudson. The second child of six children, he was a member of Mt. Pisgah CME Methodist church. He attended Melrose school from first through twelfth grade. After graduation, he attended Fisk University on a football scholarship, where he met his lifelong partner, Mary George Gracin, in 1960. The two were married for 58 years. He graduated in 1964 and began his career as an educator.

His first teaching assignment was at Mildred Jackson High School in Hughes, Arkansas. In 1968 he taught at Manassas HIgh school, where he later became Administrative Assistant serving as the primary disciplinarian. In 1975 he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Memphis State University. He was then appointed Assistant Principal at Westside Junior/ Senior High school and promoted as its first Black Principal in 1985. He continued his career in public education for thirty years until his retirement in 1994.

As a role model for children of all ages, he worked with the Memphis Park Commission as Director of the Dave Wells Community Center and Hurt Village Community Center. In the summers, he served as Supervisor of various park programs. He also tutored electrical apprentices in mathematics for a time in preparation for skill-level tests.

After retirement from Memphis City Schools, he worked for Tennessee Infant Parent Services to assist children and families with special needs until the state defunded the program.

His beloved wife, Mary Gracin Hudson, will deeply miss his presence; his children: Michele (John) Perez, William (Nicole) Hudson Jr.; and his grandson Benjamin William Perez.

His siblings preceded him in death: Cleophus Hudson, Herman (Caecilia) Hudson, and T.C. Thomas. His brothers survive him: Charles (Alice) Hudson and Dr. Rickey (Carol) Hudson Sr; Sister: Barbara Thomas, Sisters in law Rose Hudson, Patsy (Ron) Gearing, and Brother in law George (Denise) Gracin as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalms 23

Order of Celebration

Saturday, March 4, 2023 • 12:00 Noon

Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church

2490 Park Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Processional

Musical Selection...........................................................................................................................................Choir “In the Garden”

Affirmation of Faith (Please stand.)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. The third day He rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. AMEN. (Please be seated.)

Prayer.................................................................................................................................Reverend Victor Bowen

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Isaiah 41:10......................................................................................................John Perez

New Testament: John 14:1-6.................................................................................Chanda Hudson Haynes

Musical Selection.............................................................................................................................Taylor Haynes

“His Eyes Is On The Sparrow”

Expressions of Love

(Two Minutes, Please)

Angela Hudson

Michele Hudson Perez

William Ross

Benjamin Perez

Musical Selection................................................................................................................................Instrumental “It Is Well With My Soul”

Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................Candice Thomas

Musical Selection.........................................................................................................................Jana Washington “Come Ye Disconsolate”

Eulogy.............................................................................................................................Reverend Willie Ward, Jr.

Recessional............................................................................................................................ “Soon & Very Soon”

~Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy~

Reverend Willie Ward, Jr., Pastor - Officiating Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church

Presiding Elder - Reverend Peris J. Lester, I Presiding Prelate - Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

bless each of you for reaching out to our family and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers during our bereavement. Thank you so much for your calls, visits, cards, refreshments and words of encouragement, which helped bring us comfort during a difficult time.