Nannie Virginia Wheeler Hudson

Nannie Virginia (Wheeler) Hudson was born on November 3, 1934, in Gum Springs, Arkansas, to Abraham and Nannie Bell Wheeler. She was their firstborn and was raised in the close-knit communities of Gum Springs and Arkadelphia, where she developed the values of faith, education, and service that would guide her throughout her life.

After graduating from Peake High School in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, she attended AM&N College, a HBCU that was later renamed the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. After earning her degree in Teaching, she began her career at Peake High School, teaching typing, shorthand, and business education. After teaching for several years at the school that had shaped her, she moved to Lansing, Michigan, to pursue graduate studies at Michigan State University and continue her work in education with the Lansing School District. She taught at the high school and junior college levels and spent her final years as an Adult Education teacher. Nannie took great pride and joy in teaching adults to read, finding deep fulfillment in empowering others through education. She retired in 1996.

Another meaningful part of her move to Lansing, Michigan, was meeting and later marrying the love of her life, Ernest “Ernie” Hudson. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Nannie would spend the majority of her adult life and make many lasting impacts on the Lansing community.

Shortly after graduating from college, living for Christ became central to her life. As a proud second-generation member of the Church of God in Christ, she attended St. Paul in Lansing, later renamed Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ. Nannie lived her faith through service, encouragement, and leadership. She was especially known for uplifting young women in the church, supporting her students beyond the classroom, and offering wisdom and care to close friends.

She was the devoted mother of daughters: B. Renee Hudson, Sonya Dawkins (Timothy), Rhonda Blackburn (Orlando); and son, Justin Hudson (Tunisha). Lovingly known as Grammy, Nannie found immense joy in being a grandmother to: Jacinda Dawkins, Janae Dawkins, Taj Hudson, and great-grandmother to Ava Dawkins-Wise, each of whom brought light and pride to her life.

Nannie was preceded in death by: her husband, Ernest Hudson; her parents, Abraham and Nannie Bell Wheeler; and her brothers, Henry Davis Wheeler, Abram Lawrence Wheeler, and Elgin Lee Wheeler. She is survived by: her brother, Calvin Wheeler (Sarajane); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends she considered family.

Nannie will be remembered for her warm and charismatic spirit. She was a gifted mistress of ceremonies, a natural encourager, and a woman whose presence filled a room. She was also known for her delicious homemade cakes, lovingly baked and generously shared. Her strength, kindness, and joyful personality left an undeniable mark on all who knew her.