Nancy Hudson
Nancy Brown Hudson, 67, our beloved mother, wife, sister and friend left us on Sunday, April 26, 2015 to be with our father.
She was a member of St. Martin Episcopal Church. A native of Chattanooga, Nancy was born in East Ridge, where she attended and graduated from East Ridge High School. She was Miss East Ridge in 1965, first runner-up Miss Chattanooga in 1967 and worked as a fashion model for Loveman’s. Nancy was a Chi Omega at the University of Chattanooga where she was a cheerleader.
Her favorite role was being the mother of her sons, Jeff and Derek. She passionately doted on every detail of their youth, keeping countless mementoes and records. As her boys grew, Nancy became an entrepreneur opening Café Bella Monde (Beautiful World) in Riverview, later working at Plum Nelly and Quality Lighting. Nancy also served as past president of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and chaired many Decorator’s Showcase events.
In 1996, Nancy married Jim Hudson, Jr. on her birthday, June 1. Together, Jim and Nancy traveled all over the world, but she especially loved their trip to Africa where she fell in love with the gentle spirit and instinctive love of elephants. Nancy’s wish was to have her cremains placed in a special place she had visited in Africa.
Nancy was often described as being full of love and light. She had her own gentle spirit and loved her family and friends very deeply. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and often sent hand-written notes of compliments and encouragement. Thinking of others came naturally and genuinely to her.
Nancy treasured her friendships, especially her GNOs with whom she traveled regularly, but her family held a special place in her heart. She was the heart of her family, a wonderful Christian lady and prayed regularly for her sons, daughters-in-law, children and grandchildren.
Together with Jim, Nancy worked diligently to build and grow The Carpenter’s Fund, a Christian non-profit organization focused on providing places of worship and learning where they are needed most. Most recently, Nancy and Jim returned from a trip to South Dakota on behalf of The Carpenter’s Fund. Other areas that have benefitted include Haiti, Costa Rica, Alaska and Appalachia.
Survivors include her husband, James C. Hudson, Jr.; sister, Carol (Gary) Bradford; sons, Jeff (Melissa) English and Derek (Becky Cope) English, Jimmy (Sam) Hudson, Mark Hudson, Bobby (Pam) Hudson, Steve Hudson; grandchildren, Eason English, Abby Bain, John and William Pinson, Chuck, Grace and Margaret Anne Hudson; nephews, (Nick (Dr. Elizabeth) Bradford, Jeremy and Joel Bradford; Great Nieces Blake and Clara Bradford.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Virginia Brown.
Her family is deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and we ask that you join us to celebrate the generous life and spirit of our beloved Nancy.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at St. Martin Episcopal Church at 7547 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga TN 37421 with Father Jim Wallace officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following in the fellowship hall.
Memorial donations in honor of Nancy may be made to The Carpenter’s Fund, 1615 Sholar Ave., Chattanooga TN 37406.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.