Joe Skipper Alvin Hudson Jr.

Joe Alvin Hudson Jr., also known as Skipper, was born on March 8th, 1948 to Joe Alvin Hudson Sr. and Dorothy Roberta Elliott Hudson at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He spent his early years in Dallas with his maternal grandmother, Sophie Mae Bowens Elliott, his paternal grandfather Samuel William Hudson Sr. and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins before moving with his parents to Willowbrook, California in 1952, and then to south Los Angeles in 1957. He grew up in a loving home full of laughter and joy. In 1955 his younger brother Michael was born, with whom he enjoyed a close and lasting friendship. In 1963, they moved to his final childhood home in Windsor Hills. He attended Gompers Junior High School and Dorsey High School, graduating in 1965. Although he grew up in south Los Angeles, he was always a proud Texan. After high school graduation, he attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where he was a founding member of the Reed Black Student Union. Through protest, organization, and appeal, he was among a group to establish a black studies department. At Reed College, he met a host of friends, including Calvin Freeman, with whom he became a co-host and DJ of a local soul and jazz radio program. Afterwards, he transferred to Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he made more lifelong friends through his gregarious and outgoing nature. Finally, he attended Bishop College in Dallas, where he graduated with a degree in political science and history. He spent a great deal of time traveling to and from Denton with his cousin/brother Andrew Jackson, where he met Elaine Robinson while she was attending Texas Woman’s University. Joe and Elaine were married on July 27, 1974 in Elaine’s hometown of Big Sandy, Texas. They began their life together in Los Angeles, living with his parents, where Joe worked for the Los Angeles Community College District as a project assistant. In 1975, they moved to Longview, Texas, where Joe worked for the Texas Department of Human Resources as child protective services worker. Nine months later, they moved to Dallas, where Joe continued working for the Texas Department of Human Resources as an aged, blind, and disabled social worker. In 1979, they moved back to Los Angeles, where Joe began working as a teacher and basketball coach at Normandie Christian School. On August 11, 1980, Joe and Elaine had their first child, Steven, also known as Robby. Joe’s first prayer for his newly born son was “help”, as both he and Elaine were afraid and reluctant of being parents. However, they both turned out to be wonderful and loving parents. After his son was born, he continued to work as a teacher, eventually teaching and coaching at California Christian School, inspiring and leaving imprints on the lives of his students for years to come. After California Christian School closed, Joe taught adult education for Los Angeles Unified School District and worked part time as an amnesty instructor for the Los Angeles Community College District. On October 31, 1989, Joe and Elaine had their youngest child, Elizabeth, who provided them with much joy. They continued to live in Los Angleles until 1993, when they moved back to Dallas for good. Joe and Elaine created an atmosphere of love, education, and exploration, encouraging each of their children to pursue their unique talents. Joe attended, and was later a deacon, at Valley Creek Church of Christ. He was very active within his congregation, serving in many different aspects including coordinating worship services and teaching. In Dallas, he taught at various schools including Ferris High School and J.L. Long Middle School. He also worked as a long term substitute teacher at Julia C. Frazier Elementary School, Waxahachie High School, and Ferris High School. In 2003, he was diagnosed with kidney failure and he began dialysis treatment. Although this was extremely difficult, he kept his spirits up, making good friends with fellow patients. While on dialysis, he completed a master’s degree in education from American Intercontinental University. In September 2005, he received a kidney transplant. He recovered due to the help and diligence of his wife and his mother. Although he was not able to work in the way that he had previously, he focused on his lifelong talent of writing, authoring a book along with his son, and editing and authoring various poems. He was also very adept at studying and expositing the scriptures and teaching others what he learned. He was an encouragement to all those around him, ministering to them and giving them the confidence to believe in themselves. Joe is proceeded in death by his father, Joe, and his mother, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years Elaine, his brother, Michael Sr., his two children, Steven and Elizabeth, three aunts, Armentha Hill, Doris Hudson, and Emmie Jean Whaley, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.