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 SARA ANDERSON HUDSON 1922 - 2012 Sara Hudson, 89, died peacefully on July 30, 2012, at the Bethany House in Auburn. Sara ("Bibba") was born on August 13, 1922 at Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii, where her father B. Conn Anderson was stationed. The family moved to Auburn in 1925, when Captain (later Colonel) Anderson was assigned to ROTC duty. Sara recalled those times: "I remember walking barefoot on dirt roads, chasing a mule-drawn ice wagon for chunks of ice on hot summer days, and climbing Chinaberry trees." Even then, Toomer's Corner was a fixture in her childhood memories. The Andersons left Auburn in 1930, and it was more than two decades before Sara returned as an instructor in the API (now Auburn University) English department. During this time, Sara had received a BA degree from the University of North Carolina, marrying poet Hayden Carruth on the day of their graduation from Chapel Hill. He went into the Army and to Italy. She moved to New York to live with the Carruth family and work for a Wall Street firm. Feeling the need to do more for the war effort, Sara joined the WACS as a medical technician. She and her husband were honorably discharged at war's end and went to Chicago to pursue graduate degrees under the GI Bill. Sara received an MA from the University of Chicago. Sara returned to Auburn in 1952 with her infant, Martha, following a divorce, and soon was invited to join the English faculty. She was one of only a few women instructors at the time, forging a long career of "firsts" for Sara as a woman in traditionally male venues. She was not daunted then, nor ever in her life, by the strings of convention. Sara took a leave of absence to complete her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, and again returned to Auburn as an associate professor of English. In 1961 she married Fred Hudson in the Civil Engineering Department, her friend and life love until Fred's death in April 2011. They had a daughter, Elizabeth. Sara, or Dr. Hudson, enjoyed a reputation as a fiercely focused, brilliant, and demanding instructor who asked nothing less than excellence from her students. Although many students recalled her has the "toughest" professor they ever had, many also have said that she was a significant influence in their approach to learning, and even to their eventual career paths. Sara retained close friendships for the rest of her life with several former students whom she taught and mentored. Sara became increasingly interested in faculty governance and in securing more equitable treatment for faculty women. She was elected president of the Faculty Senate in 1980, the second woman to serve in this capacity. In keeping with character, she was fearless in her efforts to preserve the integrity and financial security of the Liberal Arts departments as the bedrock of education and research-often opposing the interests of powerful entities on the Board and executive committee. Throughout her life, Sara always stood up for what she considered to be just and right, and was deeply respected by her colleagues and friends for this tireless work. Sara retired from teaching in 1985 and was awarded Professor Emerita status and the highest commendation for her service by the Alabama Senate. In 1986, she accepted the position of Acting Associate Dean of Liberal Arts. She never stopped teaching, researching, and learning. For many years she was both teacher and student with Auburn's Life Long Learning program. In 1996, she co-authored a historical biography, "Belle of the Fifties." Sara will be remembered for her keen mind, curiosity, drive for perfection, and sparkling wit. She was a political tiger, and, as a Yellow Dog Democrat, adored debating with friends from all political persuasions. She was outgoing, loved hosting parties with Fred, attending countless art, music, and literary events, and, above all, loved her friends. Finally, and importantly, Sara gave far more than she took. She was known in the community for her devotion to those in need, whether through poverty, infirmity, mental illness or old age. She provided physical nourishment and emotional support, and loved listening to the many voices and stories from her visits. She served on the board of the Presbyterian Ministries on behalf of the poor. She carried in her bones a powerful sense of duty, compassion, and social justice for all- and in particular, the least of us. Sara embraced life through all of its happiness and heartaches. Her first daughter, Martha, died of cancer in 1997, a great time of sadness. But her grandchildren from daughters Martha and Elizabeth provided her with a joy which, per Sara, "has no words." This well could describe the person of Sara Hudson. Words alone cannot sufficiently encompass this remarkable woman. Sara is survived by daughter Elizabeth Hudson, brother B. Conn Anderson, grandchildren Britton Herbert, Hayden Ward, Robin Ward, Henry Goff and Alice Goff; and great-grandchildren Lily and Isabel Herbert. A graveside service for Sara was held on August 3 at Pinehill Cemetery, where she is buried with her parents and daughter Martha. In commemoration of Sara, donations will be gratefully accepted at the charity or foundation of choice. Fredericks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.fredericksfh.com Since 1900
Published in The Opelika-Auburn News on August 8, 2012
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