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.
Condolences
Faye And Bj Jungman
February 4, 2021
Praying for all the Hudson family during this sad time. So sorry for your loss. Faye and BJ Jungman
Tommye Bell
February 4, 2021
My sweet Aunt Melba was a huge part of my growing up. She was 9 years old when I was born so I think I was kind of like a distraction from what was going on in the world: WWII. My dad was overseas so my mom and I lived with my mom's parents and brothers and sister...my Aunt Melba. I think she liked the idea of being an Aunt at nine years old. She and I bonded. She was so sweet to me but I've heard stories that I was a handful and l am sure there were probably times (many) that she would have liked to 'spank' me! We loved dressing up in my mamaw's old clothes and blowing kisses to the soldiers overseas. My uncles took me for bicycle rides and teased me but she always came to my defense. We were very close for many years and I remember being very jealous of her boyfriend, Travis, because we didn't 'hang out' as much when he became more and more important in her life. But even after she married and had babies, I still came and stayed with her some in the summers. And then I became a teenager!! She was a great influence in my life and the love she showed me was a very important part of my growing up years. I've had always had the greatest respect for her and her devotion to her faith, husband, children, parents, brothers and her sister, my mom, Charlene, they were very close. My heart goes out to her big extended family. She will be missed. Tommylene
Nancy Mericle
February 4, 2021
On behalf of our support group "In Loving Memory" we want to send our deepest condolences to all of Melba's family. When she became a member she had lost her beautiful daughter, Glenda. We rallied around her and prayed for her because this was a club no one ever wanted to be a part of. She always had words of encouragement for everyone. Melba you touched so many lives but now you are home with all your loved ones that went before you. What a beautiful reunion. We will miss your sweet smile. From your ILM sisters.
Anonymous
February 4, 2021
Enduring Grace was purchased for the family of Melba Sanders Hudson.
Kaytrammell
February 3, 2021
You all are in my prayers. Melba was my Mother's first cousin and they were close. They were good friends as well as cousins. Melba was a wonderful person she had the gift of making people around her feel loved and cherished. I always looked forward to seeing her and her family at the Blackjack/Stewart Picnic. Am proud to have known her. S. Kay Trammell
Leslia Ross Hawthorne
February 3, 2021
May God bless this family... Melba will be missed for sure. Loved her and the entire family.... feel blessed to have been a part of the family on my Dads side.
Love always.....Leslia Ross Hawthorne
Lillie Henderson
February 2, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Melba and I lived near each other in the country in Orange, and often played together Our families were friends.. My condolences! Lillie Mae Henderson
Anonymous
February 2, 2021
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Melba Sanders Hudson.
Tim Sawyer
February 2, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Bob And Christie Decker
February 2, 2021
Melba was the matriarch to an enormous number of family members, both immediate and extended. Anyone who had the privilege to have known her will miss her sweet smile and kindness. May the Lord bless and grant peace to her family whom she loved dearly.
Anonymous
February 2, 2021
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Melba Sanders Hudson.
Pam Strohm
February 2, 2021
I’m so very thankful that God put Melba in my life. She was my mentor, counselor, prayer warrior and friend. She was not just a regular, every day, run of the mill friend, but a “Words With Friends “ friend !! What wonderful chats we would have while playing in the wee hours of the night because neither of us could sleep. We had some fun adventures together as well, from our trips up the country to pick fresh strawberries to our estate sale hunts for “Hat ladies” and other treasures. She always had words of encouragement, love and occasional discipline, when needed, and the prayers for me and my family are too numerous to count. She loved her family and spending time with them. And would share a cute thing they did or said, or an accomplishment or an award they had gotten. You will be greatly missed my friend, but not forgotten. What a celebration it will be when I see you again. Pam Strohm