Delores Hudson

Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

In July of 1938, Dolores Hudson was born in the home of her grandparents in a small rural community in Franklin County, Virginia. She attended Franklin County High School and graduated in 1956. While in high school she met Carlton Hudson, and they got married in December of 1958. They were happily married for almost 51 years before he passed away. They had one daughter and two sons.

The strong influence of helping others in the community was instilled in their children. All of them lead lives of service because of the love of community services that Carlton and Dolores possessed. In 1968 Carlton joined the Franklin County Rescue Squad and spent much of his free time at the squad building. To see her husband, Dolores decided that she needed to join the Women’s Auxiliary. She joined the Auxiliary in 1970 and is a charter member.

Dolores had been an active member of the AVAVRS for 53 years. Over these years, she has held many offices in the local, district, and state level. She was once secretary for the state, District 6 and the Franklin County Board of Directors at the same time. Dolores is a life member of the AVAVRS and a past president as well. She is a charter member of the Franklin County Ladies Auxiliary and a life member of the Franklin County Rescue Squad and Auxiliary. She is also a life member of the VAVRS District 6 and honorary life member of District 7 and District 9 in Virginia.

Dolores has traveled throughout Virginia in her volunteer service with the Rescue Squad and Auxiliary. In these travels she has met many wonderful people and made many friends. She says that the friends that she has met in her time with AVAVRS have become like family to her and she treasures each one of the friendships that she has made.

Although being a member of the AVAVRS could often be a lot of work, it has proven to be an enjoyable experience meeting new friends and seeing how others serve their communities.

One thing Dolores wishes new members would do is sit back and listen to the older members and take in some of their knowledge and experience. The future of this organization depends on new members who have enthusiasm and excitement to help others.

She enjoys spending time with her 3 children, 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Over the years she has developed a profound sense of humor and can be feisty. Dolores looks back at all the good times she has had at conventions and squad functions. She often tells of the stretcher races on the beach and mischief that some of the members got into. She calls those the good times.

Dolores has made an indelible mark on the VAVRS/AVAVRS