Elma Hudson

HUDSON Elma Hudson, 96, of Jacksonville and formerly of Palatka died Friday, March 10, 2006 at the St. Catherine Laboure Manor in Jacksonville following a brief illness. She was a native of Chipley and, coming from Panama City, had been a resident of Palatka from 1946 until 1987 when she moved to Jacksonville to live with her sister, Farris. After a year at the Florida State College for Women she started teaching in Chipley before receiving her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Florida in 1938. She and her late husband, Paul Hudson, owned and operated the French Bootery in Palatka from 1946 until 1971 when they retired. She was known for being quite active in social affairs in Palatka, hosting many teas, showers, bridge clubs and other community gatherings. Mrs. Hudson was a talented amateur artist. Her home was always open to her nieces, nephews and extended family members including a future U. S. Senator, Bill Nelson. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palatka where she was active in the Joy Group. She had also belonged to the Palatka Womens Club and a supper club.She was preceded in death by her parents, C. W. and Annie Melvin “Mellie” Nelson; three brothers, and sister-in-law, J. T. Nelson, John Nelson and Aubrey and Arline Nelson and one sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Stuart Southard. Surviving are one brother, Leon Nelson of Jacksonville; one sister, Farris Wilson of Jacksonville; two sisters-in-law, Iwilda Nelson of Quincy and Beatrice Nelson of Panama City; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday March 18, 2006 at Masters Funeral Home of Palatka with Rev. Charles T. Rabun, Jr. officiating. Friends may call beginning one hour prior to service time. Interment will follow in Palatka Memorial Gardens.. Memorial gifts may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Palatka, 501Oak St., Palatka, FL 32177. Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com