Mrs. Martha Jean (Johnson) Hudson

Mrs. Martha Jean Hudson, age 82, of Galesburg, went home to be with her Lord January 14, 2023.

Martha was born January 18, 1940, in Mercer County, Illinois the daughter of Earl and Margie (Cooper) Johnson.  She married Terry Lee Hudson on October 27, 1962, at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years; a daughter, Nikki of Wheaton; a son, Nathan of Chicago; her brother Frank (Pam) Johnson of Gardnerville, NV; and sisters-in-law Margaret Johnson, Barb Johnson, and Janet Johnson; along with many nieces & nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Earl Jr, Fay (Virginia), Charles (Marilyn), Richard, Daryl and Delane.

Martha attended schools in the Alexis district, including a few years at one-room schoolhouses and at times being the only student in her grade. She graduated from Alexis High School in 1958.  She graduated from American Institute of Commerce in 1959.  She worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance for five years both in Galesburg and Arkansas.  Upon returning to Galesburg after their 15-month honeymoon in Arkansas, she worked at Gale Products in the parts depot for five years. After the birth of their first child, she took on her most important job by becoming a stay-at-home mom until both children were in college when she returned to the work force for a short time. 

Martha has been a member of Bethel Baptist Church for 47 years.  She served as a Sunday School teacher, children’s club worker, nursery worker and served on different committees.  Most of her service was as a Deaconess and on the Bereavement Team.  Both of which she chaired.  Later she joined her husband in the financial area serving many years on the counting team.

Martha enjoyed being with family, especially gathering with her brothers and their spouses monthly to play cards or go out for lunch for more than 40 years.  She enjoyed sewing, baking, and decorating cakes for family and friends. Martha was also very instrumental in the construction of the home they built and in the family’s debt free living.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N Academy St, Galesburg.  Pastor Chad Torrison will officiate.  Burial will be at East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. Services will be streamed on Facebook Live and can be accessed through the funeral home website. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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