In Loving Memory of Juanita Elizabeth (Boone) Hudson
On Sunday, November 26th, 2023, Juanita Elizabeth Hudson, known affectionately as
Nani, spread her wings and joined the angels at the age of 90. A funeral mass will be 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 5, 2023,
at St. Williams Catholic Church with Father James Dorman officiating. A rosary will be Monday, December 4, 2023,
from 6:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M, with a visitation following until 8:30 P.M at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. A graveside service will be
Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2:30 P.M., at D/FW National Cemetery.
Born on the 20th of March 1933, in Newport News, Warwick County, Virginia, to Sallie May Boone and
Joseph Pulliam. Juanita is now reunited in eternity with her parents and brothers,
Leamon Boone and Chester Lee Boone.
Juanita’s journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and service. In 1951, she
graduated from Phenix High School in Hampton, Virginia, before uniting in marriage with
Leroy Hudson, the love of her life, on June 24, 1951. They shared four sons, two
daughters, and a stepdaughter. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them
and their family across the globe. She supported Leroy’s many deployments in locations
such as Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, Germany, Minnesota, New Jersey and beyond.
Her role as a military wife and homemaker was a source of pride for Juanita, and she
found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved a nice cup of hot tea in a pretty teacup or a cup of
coffee with enough cream to reflect her complexion.
Juanita was an active member of the League of Women Voters, Church Women United, Women’s Guild,
and the Friendship Tea Group. She believed in helping others, donating to numerous
charities and was a staunch advocate for Hunt County Child Protective Services.
She was a long-time active member of St. Williams Catholic Church. She loved and
found profound joy in teaching 4th-grade CCD for several years at St. Williams.
She enjoyed bowling, playing Pokeno and Mexican Train, affectionately referred to as
”Game night”, attending book club, lunch bunch and for a time her weekly Knit/Crochet
group at the library.
Juanita was a collector of beautiful things, amassing teacups, tea pots, LLADRO, angels
and crosses. If you admired something she had, she’d lovingly give it to you and wouldn’t.
take “no” for an answer.
In 1992, the Greenville Herald Banner featured Juanita in an Opinion/Essay by Carol
Ferguson, recognizing her as one of the twelve most beautiful people in Greenville.
”Juanita Hudson…a joyous smile combined with a fierce devotion to the welfare of
abused children.”
Juanita loved people and people loved her. She was approachable, had a beautiful spirit
and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her husband Leroy meant the world to her and she
to him. They were married for over 72 years and loved each other wholeheartedly. She
loved her family unconditionally and was always ready to encourage, inspire, console,
reprimand and tell her loved ones ”I Love you much.”
She cherished her beloved cats and looked after them with love until she couldn’t anymore.
She had a special bond with Ed, Rochelle and Regina Sweat, Diane, Sherry, Mary and
countless others. In Juanita’s eyes, everyone was special in their own way.
Juanita is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy Hudson, her sons Leroy, Tony
(Rosie), Carl, and Craig, daughters Cynthia Ellis (Fred), Corye Taylor (Charles), and
stepdaughter Portia Coleman, daughters-in-law Dale and Merry. Her legacy extends through her
grandchildren Colin, Angelique, Shannon, Michael, Krystal, Freddy, Cedric, Charina,
Keshawn, step grandchildren Tamara, Ebony, Kwame and Zakia as well as a host of
great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loving family and friends.
The memory of her beautiful voice and smile will forever live on in the hearts of those
she touched and her impact on the community will be felt for generations to come.