Helen Hudson died in her sleep in the early hours of Friday morning, Nov. 25, in Houston, TX. She was 96.

Hudson was born July 11, 1920 as Helen Marie Forsee, where she was raised on a working farm in Ashland, MO. She’d be shaped by growing up in America’s heartland and her experiences during the Great Depression. She’d go on to marry the love of her life, Fred Hudson, her hero who’d make it back to her after touring the Pacific in WWII. They’d go on to own a home in Columbia, raise two children, and never stop loving each other.

This is the American Dream for many, and for them it was reality. And while some people take such blessings for granted, Helen was never forgetful of her blessings. She was a giver, and known to many as a loving caretaker. To the community, she was known as a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church and taught Sunday school. She was a GA and an RA leader as well. Hudson devoted herself to her family and to God. She would encourage others to do the same.

Her life was defined by service to God and service to others. Later in life she would work as a visiting nurse, caring for the elderly as if they were her family. She would later take care of Fred for many years, who suffered the affects of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. She was with him until his last breath and never left his side.

Helen loved nature as well, particularly flowers, hummingbirds and trees. She also was a skilled cook, a lover of writing letters, and an avid reader. She specifically loved reading the Bible. She is survived by her son and daughter, Gary Hudson and Ann Scott, and her 4 grandchildren, Michelle, Heather, Kati, and Tony.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Fred Hudson, grandson Barclay Hudson, brother Raymond Forsee, and her parents Walter and Leila Forsee.

Her funeral service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.