Sara Jo Hudson (Blair) was born October 6, 1930 to Sara Anita (Senter) Wheless and Joseph Freeman Wheless, Sr. in Chattanooga, TN. She died peacefully at Martin Boyd Christian Home on August 24, 2023. She was a true Southern lady who touched many lives with her generous spirit, care for others, and service at her church and in the community.
Originally living in North Chattanooga, the family moved to “the country” in 1942 during World War II and enjoyed the farm life for many years. She attended GPS then later graduated from Tyner High School. College days were at Mars Hill College and later University of Chattanooga where she graduated in 1952 with a B.A in Education. Her first job was in the education field was Elbert S. Long where she taught 2nd grade.
Sara Jo then met and was engaged to Frank P. Blair, Jr. at First Baptist Church through some mutual friends and they were married in June of 1953. Along came a son to Sara Jo and Frank Jr., whom they named Frank III in July 1954. The family was later joined by a young daughter, Cheryl Anita (Sissy) Blair, in November of 1957.
For seven years Sara Jo was a homemaker and Mom and then made the decision to step back into the ranks of public education. She taught second grade at East Brainerd Elementary School for fifteen years before moving to Bright School where she taught 1st grade finished her career as an educator and retired after eighteen years. She always loved to see and hear from her former students and share their lives and families. Over the history of her teaching career, she met and taught many great students and was always inspired along with inspiring others with her love of education. She later married William B. (Bert) Hudson and was happy to add stepsons William (Mitch) Hudson, David Hudson and Scott Hudson to the family.
Sara Jo is survived by one brother, Joseph (Buddy) Freeman Wheless, Jr. of Ringgold, GA., One daughter, Cheryl Anita (Sissy) Murray and husband Ellis of Washington, GA., and one son, Frank P. Blair III of Ooltewah and his wife Betty A. Blair. Sara Jo is also survived by stepsons Mitch Hudson, David Hudson and Scott Hudson. She loved her grandchildren Brandon and his wife Catlin, Cameron, Zach, Michael and his wife Ashley, and Cory along with granddaughters Ashley (Williams) Medley and husband Justin, Michelle Williams and Nick Makouske. Her nephew Brett Wheless, wife Laura and their children Ella and Ben (Cincinnati, OH) always brought a smile to her face when they visited. Sara Jo adored her great grandchildren Camden, Brylee, Landon and Olivia and her face lit up whenever they walked into the room.
Her love of First Baptist Church was deeply rooted as she had been a faithful member since her birth 92 years ago. We were reminded by childhood friend Jody (Stockdale) Stanford they had been together since birth and the Cradle Roll at First Baptist. Her Church sisters held a very tight bond of love as they all looked out for one another. Not many can say they’ve had a friend for 92+ years and truly friends that last a lifetime.
That same teaching career led her to be inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma professional society for women educators where she proudly served as their oldest local member after 57 years. She made many long-lasting friendships through Delta Kappa Gamma. In addition, Sara Jo also volunteered at Ronald McDonald where she celebrated 25 years of giving back to families in need while their children were undergoing medical care at Erlanger Medical Center. Her care and compassion touched many families so they could care for their most beloved treasures, their children. She also volunteered at The Chattanooga Little Theatre. Sara Jo loved the art of cooking, entertaining, sewing and knitting, and storytelling was an avid bridge player and member of the “Dirt Dabbers Garden Club”. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous spirit, and her sincere care and concern for others.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Avenue, Chattanooga, TN. 37401 with Visitation starting at 10:00am on Friday, September 1st, Celebration Service at 11:30am, with internment immediately following at Forest Hills Cemetery, 4016 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37410
In Lieu of flowers, Mom would appreciate your memorial gift to First Baptist Church, www.fbcchattanooga.org or Ronald McDonald House, www.rmhchattanooga.com/
Pallbearers are grandsons, Brandon Blair, Cameron Blair, Zach Murray, Michael Blair and Cory Murray along with family friend Warren Daniel. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Waters Class of First Baptist Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com for the Hudson family.
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