Ruby "Ellie" Eldridge Smith Hudson

Ellie, a native of Bladen County, was born on September 30, 1931 to the late Henry B. Smith and Ruby Louise (Maxwell) Smith.

She is preceded in death by her faithful, loving husband of 67 years, Willie Craven Hudson; brothers, Henry Daniel, Harrell Laverne, Lacy Ferril, Charles Elbert, and Jerry Kenneth; sister, Mary Lilly; son-in-law, Joseph Wiggins; and grandchild, Aaron Hardin.

Ellie is survived by her daughters Carolyn Thomas (Tracy) of Pollocksville and Tammy Wiggins of New Bern; son Craig Hudson Sr. (Patty) of New Bern; grandchildren Elliot Thomas, Matthew Rhodes (Courtney), Jessica Wiggins (Kenny), Ryan Thomas (Lauren), Bonnie Baumgardner (Adam), Nathan Thomas, Willie Hudson Jr. (Madi), and Allen Hardin (Jennifer); great-grandchildren Hudson, Anna, Mattie, Riley Kate, Schep, and Charlie; sisters, Margaret Elizabeth, Brenda Joyce, and Effie Kay; and extended family Chandler, Hannah, Ally, Logan, Ayden, Sammy, and Weston.

Ellie was the oldest of 10 children. Loving and caring for them was a lifelong calling she did with gladness. ‘Going home’ to visit with her family and attending family reunions were one of the highlights of her life. Time spent with them was never enough.

Meme knew that taking care of children was her God given ministry and through that she helped countless families in her community for over 40 years with her in-home daycare. Being able to care for each of her grandchildren was something she cherished. Numerous memories at Meme and Papa's house will help keep the love we have for her alive.

Mrs. Ellie was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 50 years. Every Sunday, for most years, you could find her faithfully serving in the nursery or singing in the choir.

For Ellie family was anyone that walked through her front door. Being one of the cornerstones of Church Rd. her neighbors and friends knew she was always ready to help and give what she could.

She will be deeply missed by everyone that took her encouraging phone calls and anyone who knew her as Ellie, Mom, Aunt Eldridge, Aunt Ellie, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Ellie, and most of all Meme. We are comforted knowing she is walking in heaven in the presence of Jesus.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 1:30-2:30 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church. A Celebration of Ellie's Life will begin at 2:30 PM. Ellie will be laid to rest beside her husband, Willie Craven Hudson, at New Bern Memorial following the services.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ruby "Ellie" Eldridge Smith Hudson.