Melba Sanders Hudson

Melba was born in Tatum, Texas, February 27, 1935 to Charlie Jutson and Sallie Mae Duncan Sanders. At an early age, she moved with her family from the cotton farms to Orange, Texas, during the influx of shipyard workers of World War II. She attended several Orange County schools, Tilley, Colburn, and Little Cypress, where she loved playing softball and was one of the first cheerleaders for Little Cypress.

Melba and Travis Charles Hudson, Sr., met at church and married August 9, 1952. They had four children, Glenda Gayle, Travis Charles, Jr., Leana Beth and Daniel Craig Hudson. Melba cherished her years as a stay-at-home mother serving as a lifetime member and former President of the Little Cypress Elementary PTA, and 4H specialist for the Extension Service and Orange County in the 70’s. She earned her Associates Degree from Lamar Institute of Technology. After graduation, she worked for Programs for Human Services for 10 years before retiring. Her favorite hobbies included gardening, camping, and spending time with family. Her most cherished memories were picnics with the kids picking violets, letting them play in the woods, walking logs, while being as loud as they wanted.

Melba was first and foremost the Lord’s servant. She dedicated most of her life as a mentor to many loved and cherished people. She chose to serve the Lord by teaching the high school students, including the members of the state champion basketball team of LC, at Little Cypress Baptist Church. Her church’s prayer chain was an important part of her life, always making sure to lift others up in prayer.

Melba made her glorious reunion with her Lord, February 1, 2021. She reunited with her beloved husband of 57 years, Travis Charles Hudson, Sr.; her parents, Charlie Jutson and Sallie Sanders; daughter, Glenda Gayle Naegelin; son, Daniel Craig Hudson; sister, Charlene Sanders Collum; and brothers, Bob Allen, Frankie and Jack Sanders.

Those left to cherish her memory are children, Travis Hudson, Jr., and Leana Beth Hudson; grandchildren, Sally Naegelin Jungman, Tara Hudson Day, Robin Permenter, Kate Permenter, Phillip Permenter, Erica Hudson Klein, Trey Hudson, Krystin Hudson, Lauren Hudson; along with 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephew and other treasured family members and friends.

She loved each and every one of her family members unconditionally and left a legacy of faith and prayer that will be forever remembered by all those who loved her.

A graveside service for Melba will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Hudson Cemetery. Officiating will be Brother David Turner. A visitation will be held prior to the graveside service, beginning at 12:00 p.m. also at Hudson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Cypress Baptist Church at 3274 Little Cypress Dr., Orange, Texas 77632 or the Little Cypress Mauriceville Education Foundation, Inc. at 6586 FM 1130 Attn: Sherry Combs, Orange, Texas 77632, please direct questions to 409-883-2232 Ext. 3.

The family requests that attendees respect social distancing and wear masks in respect to the family and other attendees safety during this pandemic.