Anna Sessoms Hudson

GARNER-Anna Sessoms Hudson, 89, passed away May 1, 2015 at her home in Garner, NC. Anna is preceded in death by her husband, Sam H. Hudson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday at Garner United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. A native of Powellsville, Anna was a graduate of Powellsville High School and Louisburg College. In 1946, Anna moved to Raleigh and worked at the Methodist Orphanage where she met her husband, Sam H. Hudson, Jr. Together, they worked at the orphanage for 6 ½ years raising the 38 children they were responsible for as their own. They both maintained that working at the orphanage was the most gratifying experience of their lives. In 1958, she along with her husband founded Hudson’s Hardware in Garner, NC and in 1985 her family opened a second store in Clayton, NC. Until 2013, Anna continued to work in the family business and was a recognized fixture as the “Seed Lady” in Garner. Anna loved giving back to her community, whether it was leading the effort to build Garner’s Senior Center, participating in leadership roles at Garner United Methodist Church, or investing in the lives of the employees of Hudson’s Hardware – Anna was committed to impacting the lives of those around her. She is survived by her sons, Howard Hudson and wife, Wanda and Leigh Hudson and wife, Pug, all of Garner; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; three step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm Monday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. At other times, relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family at 216 Saint Mary’s Street, Garner, NC. Memorial donations in memory of Anna can be given to The Refuge, 1380 Lower Field Road, Ayden, NC 28513.