Ruby Shepard Hudson

Ruby Doris Shepard Hudson, 91, of Rockingham, NC entered her heavenly home on June 19, 2022.

Ruby was born September 2, 1930, to Stephen Tebe and Carrie Ford Shepard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Rev. James “Carl” Hudson Sr., sons James Carl “Jay” Hudson Jr. and William Tebe Hudson, daughters Barbara Ann Hudson and Doris Hudson Gerald; grandson James Kyle Nelson; brothers Maurice Shepard and Stephen “Buddy” Shepard; sisters Mary Ussery, Dorothy Layton, Emma Rae Shepard, Jean Moody, Ada Hagler, Gwen Garner, Linda Davis, and Sheila Walters; sons-in-law Bill Gerald and Randy Nelson.

She is survived by a brother Odell (Mary) Shepard; daughters Lynn Nelson and Lisa (Jimmy) Shaw; daughter-in-law Camilla Hudson; grandchildren Jaynelle (Phil) Nobles, James Carl “Jamie” Hudson III, Master Sergeant Olysses (Laurie Anne) Gerald, Sammuel (Jamie) Gerald, Missy (Duke) Smith, Travis (Angel) Nelson, Dr. Lyndsey (Jeffrey) Moss, Titus (Jessica) Liles, Kressie (Robbie) Taylor, Crystal Shaw (Josh Brown), Joshua (Anna) Liles, William Hudson, and Bridget Hudson; forty-seven great-grandchildren; eight great-great children with two more expected; and best friend Mrs. Martha Shaw.

She spent her life serving in many roles as a wife, mother, homemaker, babysitter, and caregiver. Her husband, Carl, never wanted her to have a public job so that she could be dedicated to her family. Ruby lived a long, prosperous life devoted to serving her Lord and family. Her doors were always open where she welcomed everyone in for good fellowship and a fresh, home-cooked meal. A verse that describes her well is “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28.

She was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church until Carl was called to pastor Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. She served in many capacities at both churches.

The family would like to thank FirstHealth Hospice staff. A special thank you to Lauren, Tarsha, and Susan for two years of excellent care and service. Also, thanks to her caregivers over the years, Dale, Phyllis, Rowena, Cynthia, Opal, Rhonda, Skye, Hannah, Gail, Joyce, Keitha, Emily, and Jenny.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 pm on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe, NC. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellerbe, NC at 11 am on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. The family will receive friends at other times at 205 Gibson Nursery Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 676, Ellerbe, NC 28338, or Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 123 Sandy Ridge Church Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.