Clara Hudson

Heartland Cremation - Clara Hudson

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Clara Hudson died July 25, 2008 at Lenoir Woods in Columbia, MO. 

            A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church on Broadway in Columbia on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 2 p.m.

            Clara was born August 31, 1911, in Cherry Box, MO in Shelby County.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, 1946, and a Master of Education degree, 1950 from the University of Missouri.  Clara was an educator.  She often told others that she knew by the age of 12 that she wanted to teach.  Clara had a wide spectrum of educational experiences.  She taught in a one room school early in her career and progressed to an administrator in the lab school at the University of Missouri.  She was also involved in the Title One Reading Program for the Columbia Public Schools.  Clara not only taught children, but taught other educators how to teach. 

            Clara retired from the Columbia Public Schools in 1977.  After her retirement she was an active volunteer and mentor to the Columbia Community dividing her energy among the First Baptist Church, Boone Hospital Center, and numerous organizations such as P.E.O., International Order of King’s Daughter, and Fortnightly Club. 

            Highlighting numerous awards and recognitions that Clara received during her life included being named as an UMC Outstanding Alumna for meritorious service in education in 1992, having August 31, 2001 designated as Clara M. Hudson Day by Columbia Mayor, Darwin Hindman in recognition of decades of service to the Columbia community, and being a nominee for the Hero Award in 2003. 

            Clara was married to UMC Professor, Charles M. Hudson in 1954 and was happily married until his death in 1984.  He was the love of her life.

            Clara is survived by Lora Marksbury, Julianna, Matt, and Kacie Cazalas, Johnny Marksbury, and Eric Marksbury.

            Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Louise Marksbury, twin brother Lee Marksbury and his spouse Alma, and nephews Johnston Marksbury and Jaye Marksbury. 

            Memorial contributions can be made to the “Clara Marksbury Hudson Scholarship Fund”  c/o Director of Annual Giving, University of Missouri, 401 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211 or (1-877-GIFT-2MU).

Condolences

  1. Randall Freeman Kilgore on July 31, 2008 at 7:49 am

    Clara was my Friend. A gracious and tenacious Lady with insight, wisdom, charm, witty notions, clever solutions, and a deep sense of self were the characteristics that always gave me pause and admiration for her. Her love of and for Charles never waned, and often waxed poetic. There was never a doubt where he rested in her heart. As the first recipient of the Hudson Scholarship at First Baptist Church, Columbia, I was honored to be a member of that special fellowship of other scholars Clara seemed to attract throughout her career and life’s work. I met this great Lady in the aisle of FBC one Sunday as she “ushered” and shall never forget the smile, the handshake, the knowing nod, and the gentle presence she possessed. I came to know this Deacon of FBC, and relished many times over coffee or snacks, and occasional meal at her lovely home high atop Stewart Road. I shall always remember her attic at 12 E Stewart Road, and the “Library-Study” of her Beloved Charles. Clara was always kind, and generous with her love and attention. Times shared on her porch are inediliby imprinted on my heart. I am assured in my belief that the presence of Christ dwelled in the heart of this Lady from Cherry Box.

    I pray for those in the Marksbury and Cazalas families that their loss of Aunt Clara in only punctuated with wonderful, sweet memories pregnant with all the good and great things Clara brought into this world. She will always remain in my catalog of “Favorite People” as one of the “Greats!”.

    I love you Clara.
    Randy



  2. Pete Szkolka on July 31, 2008 at 8:13 am

    I am saddened to hear of Clara Hudson’s passing. I first got to know her as a Hudson Scholar while studying at UMC, but in later years got to appreciate what a wonderful person she really was. I always looked forward to her yearly breakfast for the scholarship recipients, and visited her periodically at her home just to chat. She was one of the kindest, sweetest, most properly educated, and classy people I have ever met. I know she led a full and rewarding life. Clara Hudson was my friend. I will miss her greatly.



  3. Beverly Huckaba on July 31, 2008 at 9:16 pm

    Clara has been a very special friend, mentor and much more to me since 1967. She was a great friend and I will miss her dearly. She always had some words of advice when I visited her and always showed me pictures of her family. I will miss her dearly. She was truly a great lady!



  4. Carol Lozano on July 31, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Clara Hudson was a beautiful woman and will be greatly missed. I have many fond memories of her while growing up.



  5. Jim and Marjorie Delbert on August 9, 2008 at 10:03 am

    Clara was a very dear friend, as was her husband, Charles. The two of them stood up with us when we got married and hosted our wedding reception in their home. Clara remembered our anniversary with a card or letter as late as 2007. She never forgot our birthdays and we always called her on her birthday, as well as Thanksgiving, since that was the date that Charles proposed marriage to her. We often received newspaper clippings regarding the Cardinals or Tigers because she knew how much we enjoyed reading about them. After we moved to Texas, Jaye brought Clara to our home for a very special visit. Clara loved her family. Whenever we visited, she always shared the latest pictures of them, with details of their lives at the moment. The last time we saw Clara was June 27 of this year. She was excited to see us and was her usual, loving self. She shared many things with us during that visit, including the death of her beloved Johnny. We loved Clara and we will miss her.
    Jim and Marjorie Delbert
    Huntsville, TX



  6. Karen Geotz on September 17, 2008 at 6:39 pm

    I am very sad for the loss of Ms. Clara. I got to know here years ago when I worked at the FBC. She was one of the sweetest, most kind ladies that I had the pleasure meeting. I will relish the visits at her home and was very blessed to have her insight in situations. She was an educator, she was a fisher of men. She is a soul that will not be forgotten. We will do well to take her example and follow it as she was a wonderful person. I feel for all of those who know her and were blessed by her presence.



  7. Scott Barger on November 12, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Saw the “For Sale” sign in the yard the other day, which led me here. I knew Clara through many of my friends and fraternity brothers that lived in her basement over the years. She was a dear friend of the men of SAE and will be greatly missed. Thank you Clara for taking care of our boys over the years!



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