Doris Onez Ford Hudson

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, long time Asheboro resident Doris Onez Ford Hudson passed away in Birmingham, Alabama. She was reunited with her loving husband Desso Hudson and her two sons, Steve and Phillip who preceded her in death. Doris was born on February 25, 1929 in Blount County, Alabama, and after graduating from high school she attended business school in Nashville, TN. After graduating she returned to Alabama to marry Desso on July 2, 1949. They led an active and productive life in Arab, Alabama where Desso became the plant manager of the Blue Bell plant, while Doris worked at the local bank. They raised their two sons in Arab before Desso accepted a plant manager position at the Blue Bell plant in Puerto Rico in the late sixties. They seemed to enjoy their brief time there as they frequently talked about their experiences. In 1970 they relocated to Asheboro where Desso was the Blue Bell plant manager and Doris began her career at First National Bank in January of 1973. Doris was loved by co-workers and customers alike, and it was a sad day when she took early retirement in 1984. She remained active with FNB retirement activities and kept in close contact with many co-workers and friends until her death. The New Comers Club in the 1970's had frequent dances and dancing was an activity that Doris and Desso enjoyed very much. When the music started they were on the floor. They made Fred and Ginger proud. She and Desso were long time devoted members of First Presbyterian Church in Asheboro. Doris participated in many activities including being a Stephen Minister. In 2019 she was awarded the Honorary Life Membership Award by the Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Church (USA). Doris was an expert bridge player, both duplicate and party bridge, and she seldom could be beaten even until shortly before her death. She was a member of several groups through the years and enjoyed many afternoons and evenings at the bridge table with her friends. It was a rare accomplishment to gain a higher score than Doris. She was an avid Duke basketball and Alabama football fan. She was also an excellent cook and was famous for her pies and cookies (especially Coconut and Chocolate pies, and sand tart cookies). She always knew when your birthday was coming and asked whether you wanted chocolate pie or coconut. An impossible choice. Doris was always ready to go, with a smile, whenever the opportunity arose. Whether it was dinner at Captain Tom's, dinner or a movie in Greensboro, or a trip to Hawaii, Alaska or Europe, she was always ready to go. She was a true friend to all and was always there when needed. She was a loving wife to husband Desso, and cared for him tenderly and patiently until his death in 2003. She tragically experienced the loss of her two sons to cancer in recent years, but the strong faith and strength of character she exhibited during those trying times were inspirational to her many friends. In 2017 Doris moved into Mountain Top Senior Living where she seemed to thrive. She continued her bridge games, and met even more new friends at that facility. On February 25, 2019 she was honored with a 90th birthday party with over ninety friends and family in attendance. Doris was preceded in death by husband of 53 years, Desso L. Hudson, son Steven D. Hudson, son Phillip L. Hudson, parents Joe and Ida Ford of Alabama, sisters Betty Joe Blackwell of Alabama, and Virginia Angelo of Louisiana. She is survived by sister Ann L. Webb of Trussville, Alabama. and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews with whom she kept in contact. Although she had not lived in Alabama for over fifty years, she remained close to her many family members and friends there. Though not "officially" family, her North Carolina friends adopted Doris into their families and held her as tightly to us as if she was a mother, grandmother, aunt or sister. There is now an empty chair at our tables. Doris will be interred alongside her husband and sons following a graveside service in Arab, Alabama. Due to Covid restrictions the service is for family members only. At this time the date has not been determined. Well done, good and faithful servant! Matthew25:23 Memorials may be made to: First Presbyterian Church, 420 W. Walker Avenue, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203 or The Brooke Upchurch Phillips Scholarship Fund %Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation P. O. Box 1103 Asheboro, North Carolina 27204.