Nancy Ann Hudson

One of God's faithful servants has been called home. Nancy Hudson, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Alfred James "Jim" and Roberta "Bobbi" Hudson, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona. Even as she approached the end of her life on earth, she held the peace of knowing she was merely passing from this life into an eternity with the God she loved and worshipped.

Nancy was a person of deep faith, with strong convictions regarding her values, family and friends. She was never lacking in generosity, giving freely of her time, talents, and treasures without hesitation.

Nancy's life left this world a much better place than when she entered it. She chose a life of a schoolteacher, building knowledge, understanding and faith into her students, who carried her influence into adulthood. Teaching Special Education, Ancient History, U.S. History, Social Studies, and Geography, she approached her students with patience, creativity and authentic compassion. She was a gifted teacher who made learning come alive and saw the potential in every child she served.

Most recently she taught at Country Meadows Elementary in Peoria, Arizona. Prior to this she taught at Palm Harbor Middle School in Palm Harbor, Florida; Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois; Holmes Elementary in Oak Park, Illinois; Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove, Illinois. Everywhere she taught she left students knowing that life held great potential. She also supplemented her income by building a highly successful Mary Kay business, where she formed meaningful relationships and encouraged and empowered women with her warmth, generosity and ambition.

Nancy was a graduate of Wheaton North High School (1977) and earned her Bachelor of Science in General Education (K-9) and ESE (K-12) from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois (1981). She later received her Master of Science from National Louis University (1989).

Among Nancy's most cherished memories was a trip to Ephesus, Greece, taken with her pastor, parents and congregants, where she walked in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul—bringing to life the history and faith she so deeply loved and taught.

It was impossible to know Nancy and not know of her deep and abiding faith in Christ. It was an authentic and active faith seen not only in her teaching career but in her life outside the classroom. While serving at Kid's World, a bus ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida, Nancy drove a bus into underserved neighborhoods, every Saturday, picking up children and driving them back to the church for a special program. Through this ministry she helped create a place of safety, belonging and joy—teaching the children about Jesus, engaging them in crafts, and ensuring they received a nourishing meal before safely returning them to their homes.

During this time of ministry, she met Ashely, a 3-year-old who rode her bus to the church. That meeting became a moment that changed both of their lives. As Nancy and Ashely grew closer, it became clear they had a connection. Ashely was later, with her family's permission, to become a daughter to Nancy, and Nancy became "Mom" to Ashely for the remainder of Nancy's life.

Nancy was a part of Bible Study Fellowship for decades and was a leader for many years. Most recently she volunteered her time at Along Side Ministries, who's vision is to mobilize the Body of Christ to disciple and equip incarcerated men and women for victorious Christian living.

Second only to her faith, came Nancy's family. It was her love for her paternal grandmother Vicki that took her to Florida, from Illinois, to help provide care in Vicki's latter years. It was her love for her mother and her father that brought her to Peoria, Arizona to provide assistance and caregiving to them as they grew older. She also took great joy in the lives of her niece and nephews as she watched them grow into adulthood, many now with children of their own. In the final months of her life, it was the presence of her father and sisters, Susie and Kathryn, who daily at her bedside, brought her comfort, care and love. The caring visits and notes from her Sunday School class and ministers at Palmcroft Church gave her a sense of belonging and love.

Nancy is preceded in heaven by her mother Bobbi Hudson. She leaves behind her beloved daughter Ashely James; her father, Jim Hudson; her sisters, Susie Wall (Dave) and Kathryn Shaw (Doug); her niece, Stephanie Boddie (TJ); her nephews, Tim Wall (Alli), Mike Wall (Genevieve), and Alex Wall (fiancée Kelly); and five grand-nieces and nephews who brought her immense delight and joy.

Nancy's life was a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. She wanted those of us left behind to focus on Jesus, rather than on her.

A celebration of Nancy's life will take place on April 18th at 11am at Palmcroft Church (in the Brick House), in Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org would honor Nancy.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:4 NIV