Ms. Winifred Hudson

Winifred Elaine Hudson, fondly known as Wendy, passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 67, in Douglas County, Douglasville, Georgia. Born on December 19, 1956, in Columbia, South Carolina, Wendy lived a life filled with love, joy, and her education, Wendy attended Columbia Commercial College, where she specialized in Data Processing.

Wendy spent her final years under the compassionate care of Deana Warren, RN and Dr. El-Hammali along with the dedicated team at Fresenius Kidney Care of Chapel Hill. Their support provided her with the comfort and strength she needed as she navigated her illness.

Her professional career found its zenith in the catering industry, where her passion for creating memorable experiences led her to a role at Riverbanks Zoo, overseeing the operations at Ape Island. Wendy’s work was much more than a livelihood-it was testament to her boundless love for life, animals, and people.

Wendy was a woman who radiated warmth and vivacity. She had a presence that could fill a room, and her laughter was contagious, often turning any gathering into a joyful occasion. She approached life with a sense of adventure, embracing activities like roller skating, playing video games, and seeking the thrill of roller coasters. She was an avid traveler, always eager to embark on new journeys with her loved ones, and she cherished her time spent with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Wendy’s deep and abiding faith anchored her throughout her life. A devout member of the Good Aim Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor J.D. Roberson, she later joined the congregation of Freedom Grace, where she found spiritual guidance under Pastor Horace Forbes. Her faith not only provided strength during her vibrant years but also solace as she navigated her illness.

Over the past 12 years, Wendy became an integral part of the Matthews family. For nine of those years, she lived with them, receiving unwavering love, support, and care as she bravely fought against kidney disease. Their collective dedication stands as a testament to the power of community and familial bonds.

In 2008, Wendy faced one of the greatest tragedies a mother can endure: the loss of a child. Her eldest son, Army Specialist Abrham S. Wheeler, passed during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Logan Province of Afghanistan. Through this heartbreaking event, she became part of the Gold Star Mothers, an esteemed group bound by loss yet united in remembrance. She honored her son’s memory by participating in service work and fellowship with TAPS, and organization that supports grieving military families.

In addition to her son, Abrham, Wendy is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Mildred K. Hudson; her sisters, Bessie (Alvin) Mathews and Debbie Hudson.

Wendy is survived by her son, Travis (Briana) Wheeler of Houston, her grandsons, Jaylen Wheeler, Jamari Wheeler, and Jayceon, Wheeler TX; her brothers, Stanley “Roy” (Hazel) Hudson and George (Cynthia) Hayes both of Columbia, SC; her sister, Gloria Jean Hudson; her lifelong friend and fellow parent, Abraham Wheeler, Jr. of Columbia, SC, all of whom will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation, a tribute to Wendy’s generous spirit and her own battle with kidney disease. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew her, but her legacy of laughter, kindness, and indomitable strength will continue to inspire those who loved her.

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