The firstborn of Willie and Amanda Hudson, Willie James was born September 18, 1927 near Webb, Miss.
Seven siblings would follow: Sylvester (who, sadly, passed away as a toddler), Alexander, Timothy Howard, Starkey Lee, Modean, Josephine Catherine and Jonathan.
Willie James spent his growing up years on plantations outside Webb, where the family served as sharecroppers. In addition to working as a sharecropper, his father also taught school, primarily in a one-room church/schoolhouse.
His mother longed for each of her children to get a good education. So, although his parents were disappointed to discover that Willie James was a special child with a speech impediment and limited ability, he was allowed to accompany his father and siblings to the small school where his father taught, for as long as he showed progress.
Despite his limited ability, Willie James had an amazing recall of people, places, events and dates- so will that some in the family jokingly referred to him as the “family historian.”
Birth dates were no problem for him; if any of the siblings couldn’t remember the birthdate of another sibling, the problem could be solved by simply asking Willie James. He could supply the correct month, day and year. He even knew the birthdates of close cousins, as will. When he learned from any household guest that he/she lived in the Webb community, he often surprised them by questioning them about some long-ago acquaintance around Webb.
As an adult he joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, where he maintained membership for the remainder of his life. He also liked visiting other churches in the community.
Willie James had a very thoughtful, generous heart. And he taught us all patience, just by living and dealing with him.
Left to cherish his memory are four siblings: Timothy (Karen) H. of Dayton, Ohio, Modean Hudson of Clarksdale, Miss.; Josephine Hudson-McQueen of Dayton, Ohio and Jonathan of Clarksdale, Miss.; several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Royal Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.
