Surrounded by close family and shrouded in love, Jacqueline Alcinda Lewis Hudson, 68, entered into a peaceful rest on Monday, September 15, 2008 at her home in Springfield, Virginia. In her final hours, she knew no worry, angst, or pain. Her battle was over and her fight was done.

Jacqueline (Jackie) was the firstborn of the late LeRoy Hugo and Mary Etta Thurston Lewis. She spent her youth in Louisa and was baptized at Wayland Baptist Church at a young age. As the oldest of five, Jackie was a natural caretaker and fierce protector of her brothers and sister. Always giving to others, often at the expense of herself, she became a "surrogate" mother to her youger siblings; and then in her later life, to almost everyone she encountered. She often said she knew no strangers.

Jackie gave most, and indeed gave best, through her prowess in the kitchen. She loved to gather family and friends for a good meal. Her Thanksgiving feasts were legendary - 32 years tradition that routinely drew more the 50 of her closest relatives and friends, eager to partake of her many works of culinary perfection.

While her generosity was notable, she was equally renowned for her quick temper, and sharp tongue. Jackie was a fighter. From the time she was young child on the school bus to a young teacher in the classroom, those unfortunate souls who made the mistake of crossing her would learn the harsh sting of her warth. She would "tell it like it is."

As a child, Jackie had few playmates so she immersed herself in books where she relished tales of foreign cultures and far away places; places she longed to see. Her passion for knowledge was unrelenting. After completing high school in Louisa, she earned a B.A. in History and English at Virginia State University (1961) and a Masters in Education at the then recently desegregated University of Virginia (1968).

Jackie married LeDrew W. Hudson, a young airman from Arapahoe, North Carolina, on December 6, 1968. On their first anniversary, they celebrated the birth of their only child, Yana S. Hudson. As a military wife and teacher, Jackie's 35 year teaching career spanned several states. After 17 years of service at J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia, Jackie retired in 1993 when she was diagnosed with leukemia.

When preeminent medical specialists explained to her the minimal chances of survival, Jackie, quick tempered and sharp tongued as ever, fired with a few choice words and then declared unequivocally that her life here was not done. She had places to go and things to do. What must have seemed, at the time, to be the irrational ranting of a crazy woman proved to be, some 18 years later, the prophetic proclamation of a God-fearing servant who possessed an abiding faith in miracles.

Retirement and remission from leukemia allowed Jackie to enjoy life on her own terms. She could often be found relaxing in her sunroom reading her Bible or working the New York Times Crossword puzzle. Sometimes you might find her outside tending to her flowers. But you couldn't always count on catching her at home. If she wasn't at Nordstrom's buying a St. John, she might be on the island of St. John or, for that matter, anywhere in the world. She has walked where the Pharaohs walked, shopped where only queens shop, and followed the earthly footsteps of Jesus from Jerusalem to Galilee. Now, her earthly journey is complete. Her battle is over and her fight is done.

Her parents and brother Vernon C. Lewis have gone before her. She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband, LeDrew W. Hudson; her daughter, Yana S. Hudson; one sister, Sylvia L. Allen; two brothers Vincent L. Lewis, and Dennis T. Lewis; one aunt, Sadie McLaughlin; one brother-in-law, Steve Curmon; three sisters-in-law, Diane Curmon, Frances Lewis, and Emma Jean Lewis; two nephews, Daniel Allen, III and Vincent L. Lewis, Jr.; eight nieces, Hope Payne, Maria Lewis, Lisa Aiken, Michelle Curmon, Shawn Curmon, la Shammidee Anderson, April Joseph, Nicole Somerville, and a host of great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Family Visitation will be from 6 - 7 PM Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel 117 West Street Louisa, Virginia 23093.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Wayland Baptist Church, 1228 Oakland Road, Louisa, Virginia with the Rev. Dr. George W. McLaughlin officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.