Ellen Brown Hudgins, 94, a lifelong resident of Mathews, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. She was born Feb. 14, 1927 at New Point, Virginia, near Horn Harbor. She was a 1944 graduate of Mathews High School. She had been employed a number of years at the Mathews County Health Department. Later she was employed at Mathews Memorial Library. Ellen was an active member of New Point Friends Church where she served as an elder of the church, pianist and program chairman of the Missionary Group. She found great pleasure in the company of family, especially her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her church family. Ellen was an avid reader all of her life and enjoyed raising a small flower garden. One of the greatest pleasures in the latter part of her life was taking part in the “Women of the Bible” program where she portrayed “Anna” the Prophetess. She often remarked how much she enjoyed the fellowship of the other ladies in the group and memorizing and reciting her part. She continued with the program until it was discontinued. From the age of 6 years old, she enjoyed reciting poetry, much of which she wrote herself, performing on stage and behind the pulpit and memorizing entire chapters of the Holy Bible.

Mrs. Hudgins was preceded in death by her father, Capt. Leonard D. Brown, and her mother, Susie Grinnell Brown; her sister, Isabel B. Haywood; her brother, Capt. Aubrey C. Brown; her grandson, Jason S. Hudgins, and two nieces, Jeannie H. Dunston, Margie Brown Snyder, and daughter-in-law, Diane T. Hudgins.

She is survived by her two sons, Clyde W. Hudgins Jr. (Mary Alice), J. Wayne Hudgins; four grandchildren, John Michael Hudgins, Julianne Hudgins Marcellus and Dwight, Mark Brown, Jonathan Hudgins and nine great-grandchildren. Other survivors are a sister, Charlotte B. Valentine, and three close and loving nieces, Kathy Hudgins (Waverly), Patsy Brooks (Dickie), Debbie W. Watson, and a nephew, Richard L. White. She also leaves behind several close and dear cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Annex Cemetery, Susan, Virginia, by the Rev. Thomas Bunting.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family with arrangements.