Sharon Kay Hudson

Sharon Kay Hudson, 74, of Celina, Texas, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024. She was born on February 7, 1950 to Jack & Virginia Reno and grew up in Carbondale, Illinois. As a child, Sharon’s lifelong love for being on the water began as she enjoyed waterskiing and being on the lake. She spent many summers with her grandparents on Leech Lake in Bemidji, Minnesota fishing and waterskiing. She also enjoyed music, dancing, and cheerleading. Sharon was a 1968 graduate of Carbondale Community High School. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, majoring in Physical Education and Parks & Recreation Management.

In 1969, Sharon met Duf Hudson and they married in Carbondale in 1970. They moved around during their first few years of marriage to DeKalb, Illinois, St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually settled in Sullivan, Illinois, to start a family. Their daughter, Ashley, was born in 1977, and son, Eric, arrived in 1979. In Sullivan, Sharon and Duf owned and operated Lighthouse Gifts for six years and Sharon worked in banking before moving to Texas. During their time in Texas, Sharon and Duf lived in Heath and Wills Point. Sharon was a partner in a home cleaning business before working in personnel for the Terrell State Hospital. The Hudsons returned to Illinois for a few years, where Sharon became the Director of the Park District and Recreation Program in Frankfort. In 1997, they returned to Texas, living in Forney, Little Elm, and now in Celina. Sharon served as a nanny for a family in Terrell prior to working at Dal-Bac Manufacturing in Forney for several years until her retirement in 2015. Regardless of Sharon’s whereabouts or job at any given time, she found joy in each opportunity given to her.

Sharon had a zest for life. She was an avid exerciser and remained active at the YMCA over the years. Being outdoors was where Sharon loved to be, especially at the beach, lake, and the pool. She enjoyed time spent in downtown Celina, exploring new shops and boutiques. She especially enjoyed supporting her grandsons and all the kids in Prosper Youth Sports. Additionally, she loved visiting Green Bay to support her granddaughter in all of her activities. Sharon was a Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed college football, especially Navy (because of Roger Staubach). She was a passionate NASCAR and Indy Racing fan. She also enjoyed baking for her family and grandchildren – she always dropped off special surprises for them. She enjoyed doing crafts and special projects with her grandkids. Sharon loved reading and enjoyed going to the library. Her love for wine, Jack Daniels with Ginger Ale, and chocolate helped make the days even sweeter.

Sharon was strong and level-headed, with a calm spirit that could become feisty. She had a humble and kind heart that made her a supportive and great mentor for others. With her compassionate and caring manner, Sharon was a safe haven for so many. She was generous and found joy in doing random acts of kindness for others. More than anything, Sharon adored her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and doting grandmother. She enjoyed being with her kids’ and grandkids’ and was always thinking of unique gifts and outings for her family. Her love for her family was unwavering and she always put them before herself. She has left us far too soon, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Sharon will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Reno; and sister, Nancy Reno. Sharon is survived by her husband of 53 years, Duf Hudson; daughter, Ashley Hudson-Johnson of Green Bay, Wisconsin; son and daughter-in-law, Eric & Maggie Hudson of Prosper, Texas; grandchildren, Carter Hudson (15), Brooks Hudson (14), Knox Hudson (12), Landrie Johnson (10); father, Jack Reno of Mesquite, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Mike & B Reno of Mineola, Texas; and beloved miniature Schnauzer, Buddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Event Center on Broadway at the Prosper Wine House, 209 W. Broadway St., Prosper, Texas 75078 on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 2:00pm-5:00pm with family remarks beginning at approximately 2:30 pm. Please RSVP to 214.636.4991. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots (https://secure.toysfortots.org/P2P/LpL98SzB50-gAc2hnFYwng2/QqUStdzYEe6F_AANOhOhNg2) or ManeGait (https://manegait.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=6303d676003dee38dbdce5f1). As the proud wife of a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Sharon will be laid to rest with Duf upon his passing at Arlington National Cemetery.