Virginia “Tillie” French Hudgins, 90, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Colie Hudgins; her parents, Newton Wood French and Elsie Hurley French; her sisters, Agnes, Pauline, Sarah, Nellie, Mary and Myrtle; and her brothers, Willoughby “WB,” Newton “Mike,” Henry “Bubba” and Eugene.
Tillie Hudgins was born in Wake and lived in Hartfield and Deltaville all her life. She loved her community and the community embraced her and Colie. She loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook. The family has her 1946 Syringa High School yearbook, pictures of lifelong friends, Myrtle, Virgil, Nelda, Betty Johnson and fun with friends on bowling teams. She and her husband played golf with Alvine and Norton, with her and Norton having the worst tempers, but always having fun. Other friends were from Taylor’s Restaurant, Avon, Shirley, Barbara and more; and Randy, Carol, the Mason family, Bill, Irvin and Walter, and of course “Ellie.”
So many people she enjoyed being friends with. The people she knew from early Taylor’s Restaurant to Mason Realty were important to her. This community is special, the family hopes everyone appreciates the warmth of this community.
Bringing smiles are memories of the French family get-togethers, card games, much laughing and Christmas with WB and Shirley and the entire French family — unless some were living away. When the sisters got together, they would howl with laughter. She loved to entertain. At holiday time especially, she was a fantastic cook. She took good care of her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Sheila Scales, Marsha Collier (Warren); son, Jamie Hudgins; grandchildren, Jennifer Hill, Patrick Scales, Jake Hudgins and Michael Collier; and three great-grandchildren. She was blessed to have nieces and great nieces to keep in touch with her and watch over her. Thanks are extended to all of the Dockside staff and Virginia Hospice for caring for her.
She did love her animals — cats, dogs and birds. She loved them all and tried to care for all she could.
There will be a private graveside service.
She needs nothing, she is at peace. In her memory, please consider helping someone in need or you may donate to the Cemetery Fund at Lower United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 98, Hartfield, VA 23071.
Arrangements are by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda.
