A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Mildred Hudson Wood for her many years of meaningful service to her community and to Congratulate her on a life well lived.

 

Whereas, born on June 26, 1926, in Pickens, Mildred Hudson Wood is one of four children born to Julius Ransom and Carmen Roberts Hudson. She was reared alongside her beloved siblings, Floyd Hudson, Calvin Hudson, and Patsy Hudson Nix. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Sunset, the community that she has called home for nearly a century; and

 

Whereas, a woman of strong faith, she accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of five at Mount Bethel Methodist Church under the preaching of her uncle, Pierce Hudson; and

 

Whereas, a proud graduate of Pickens High School, she was a member of the last class to graduate under the eleventh grade system. To this day, she cherishes and wears her class ring as a symbol of her lifelong connection to her roots; and

 

Whereas, on September 13, 1945, she married the love of her life, Willie B. Wood, with whom she shared almost sixty-seven years of devoted marriage. The couple reaffirmed their enduring bond in a beautiful ceremony prior to Willie's passing in June of 2012. Together they reared three daughters, Mildred Junne Duncan, Lynda Ercellene Wood, and Marilyn Willene Wood Bowers; and

 

Whereas, music has been a cornerstone of her life and ministry. The Hudson family enjoyed traveling to area revivals to share their gift of song, including a meaningful ministry at the Pickens County Stockade where they provided special music for inmates; and

 

Whereas, her industrious spirit led her to successful careers at Judson Mill, Sangamo Electric, and Fowler Rental Agency. She also served as a bookkeeper at Tinsley Crane Chevrolet and Grant Ford and dedicated many years of civic service as a poll manager at the Albert R. Lewis Precinct in Pickens County; and

 

Whereas, following Willie's retirement from Duke Power, they remained active members of the Duke Power Retirees, where she honorably served as chaplain and president. In their retirement, the couple was known for their compassionate outreach, serving meals to grieving families at Concord Baptist Church and maintaining a faithful weekly visitation schedule for shut-ins. Having found her greatest purpose in the service of others, she continues to be a source of strength and support, extending a helping hand to all who cross her path; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Wood grew up attending Mount Bethel Methodist Church until her family joined Big Eastatoe Baptist Church in 1953. She enjoyed teaching the primary Sunday School class and wrote a weekly article for the church to be posted in the Pickens Sentinel. Upon joining Concord Baptist Church in 1974, she continued her teaching ministry for many years, eventually transitioning to lead the senior ladies' Sunday school class, where she currently holds the distinction of being the eldest member; and

 

Whereas, a matriarch in every sense of the word, "Mimi" is the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren (one of whom is deceased), fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is blessed to still live alone next to the home that she grew up in; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are thankful for the example of service and kindness that Mildred Hudson Wood has set for all who know her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Mildred Hudson Wood for her many years of meaningful service to her community and congratulate her on a life well lived.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mildred Hudson Wood.

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