Helen I. Hudgens

Helen I. Hudgens, 97, passed away Monday, June 2, 2008 at 10:50 P.M. at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Helen was born in Pittsburg, Illinois on March 9, 1911 to Louis and Elva (Owens) Stroud and spent her early years in that area on the family farm. She remembered riding on the one seat of the family buggy and walking to Fowler School in her fathers footprints. She was baptized in Johnston City Lake and was a member of Lake Creek Baptist church. She was raised during the Depression where she learned to do a lot with a little and those lessons stayed with her all her life. In her lifetime, she saw many firsts: the first airplane in this area, the first car, the cure for many diseases, and many other advancements. She worked at Woolworths, Universal Match, and Albrights clothing store in Marion. She married Samuel Hudgens on May 16, 1931. They moved to Marion and joined the Third Baptist church where she was one of the oldest living members. She was able to maintain her home with the aid of her son, Tom, who was also her best friend until her death. She loved and appreciated her family and friends and the simple things that life has to offer. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include: Two Daughters; Barbara S. Woolard of Marion Judy Arnold and husband Barry of Marion Son Thomas J. Hudgens of Marion Two Grandchildren; Mark Arnold of Pensacola, Florida Sally Pearce and husband Joe of Marion Preceded by Her Parents, Husband - Sam, Son-in-law James Woolard, Three sisters Neva Schwarm, Vivian Reed Coriasco and Imogene Hill Funeral services will be Friday, June 6, 2008 at 12:30 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Kallem officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Friday. For those who prefer memorials may be made to Third Baptist Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.