Mary Violet Hudson

Christian, violinist, teacher, poet and Bible scholar. Mary V's energy was boundless, her faith strong and her love of life always evident. Mary V. was born August 12, 1915 in Reeves, Louisiana to Susan Adeline Bacon Iles and Joseph Iles and she completed her life on May 5, 2014. She grew up in Oberlin and attended LSU where she studied violin and then Louisiana Polytechnic Institute where she received her teaching certificate. She married Samuel S. Hudson and moved to Lake Charles. Many years were spent on the dairy farm near Elizabeth before moving to Oakdale and then back to Lake Charles. Here she completed her degree in Elementary Education at McNeese State College, taught school and Sunday School (the last being the Triple L Class at First Methodist Church). The Caring Ministry of FUMC was a part of her life for many years. Poetry was written for friends and family on their special occasions, and she memorized many passages from the King James Version of the Bible. Three of her favorite passages were Psalms 23, Psalms 139 and I Corinthians 13 (the Love Chapter). But what most remember was her love of the violin. From 1938, when she played in the first Lake Charles Civic Symphony, through 2013 when she played her final Christmas program, Mary V. was often heard at the Lake Charles Symphony, the orchestra for the Messiah, the McNeese orchestra and various church functions. Mary V. was predeceased by her husband, parents, one son, Joseph S. Hudson, and her sisters, Gertrude Iles Boyer and Ruth Iles Baggett. She is survived by: her children Gay Arnold (Paul), Steve Hudson (Anita Lafucci); granddaughters Susan Arnold, Meredith Gontard, Alyce Hudson, Mary Hudson, Molly Hudson; grandsons Jeff Arnold, Jay Arnold (Carah), Joseph S. Hudson; 11 great grandchildren and a special niece, Judy Boyer Turney. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church at 12:00 noon with services beginning at 2:00 P.M. and interment afterward at Prien Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to FUMC, 812 Kirkman, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or the charity of your choice. Our thanks go to the staff of Emeritus, Grand Cove, and Brighton Bridge Hospice, and Dr. Brian Clements as they all helped care for her with love, dignity and joy these last years.