Betty Lou Hudson

Betty Lou Holden Hudson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and trailblazing achievement.

Born February 12, 1940, in Wendell, NC, to Willie and Lennie Holden, Betty was one of ten children and grew up in the Riley Hill community. She excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of Shepard High School in 1958 and earning her degree from Shaw University in 1962. While at Shaw, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and, on her 20th birthday, was one of 41 students arrested for peacefully protesting segregation at Raleigh's Woolworth lunch counter.

In 1961, she married Army Captain Will Hudson. After his military assignments, the couple returned to North Carolina and founded real estate firms focused on helping African Americans achieve homeownership at a time when discrimination still closed many doors. Betty became one of the first African American women in North Carolina to serve as broker-in-charge of a real estate firm, guiding countless first-time buyers to homes of their own with professionalism, courage, and grace.

Betty was a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha throughout her life. She was a member of the Beta Rho undergraduate chapter at Shaw. When she returned to Raleigh, she joined the AlphaTheta Omega graduate chapter helping to establish the graduate chapter's first sorority house and serving as Chairperson for the Building and Grounds Committee. A faithful Christian, she accepted Christ as her savior at an early age as a member of Riley Hill Baptist Church. She later joined St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, where she served for decades as an usher and in numerous other ministries.

Above all, Betty cherished her family. Known as "Mema," she adored her grandchildren and was a fixture at their events. She was preceded in death by her husband, Will, and daughter, Kathy. She is survived by daughters Kimberly Hudson and Deidra Hudson-Cooper (Kevan), three grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

She will be remembered for her faith, kindness, trailblazing spirit, and radiant smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the American Diabetes Association in Betty's name.