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