Celebration of Life Program for Joseph Hudson,Jr.

We little knew that day, God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide.

And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

Author: Ron Tranmer

Musical Prelude..............................................................................................Musician Processional...............................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends Scripture Reading Old Testament.....................................................................Minister Steven Brown New Testament..................................................................Minister Steven Brown Prayer of Comfort............................................................................................Minister Musical Selection.............................................Gethsemane Celebration Choir Reflections...............................................................................Ms. Alethea Lambert Mr. Marcus Dennis Senator Monty Mason Judge Matthew Hoffman Mr. David Hudson Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Acknowledgments...............................................................Mrs. Tiffany Foreman Solo.............................................................................................Ms. Patrycia Everette Eulogy.....................................................................................Bishop Dwight Riddick Hymn of Victory................................................Gethsemane Celebration Choir Committal.............................................................................Bishop Dwight Riddick Recessional.................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends

Joseph Hudson, Jr. transitioned from his earthly home to gain his heavenly reward on August 11, 2023. He was born on October 16, 1952 to the late Joseph Hudson, Sr. and Callie Rodgers-Hudson in Newport News, VA. Educated in the Newport News Public School System, he graduated from Carver High School in 1971. He later attended Thomas Nelson Community College to further his education to become a certified peer recovery specialist.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church, Newport News, VA. For many years he was employed at the Hampton Newport News Community Service Board as a Peer Recovery Specialist and at the Hampton Newport News Criminal Justice Agency as a Behavioral Health Docket Peer Recovery Specialist. He was also involved in Narcotics Anonymous 16 years in recovery, Substance Abuse Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of the Peninsula, Hampton Newport News CSB Family and Consumer Advisory Board, 2019 Vice Chair, National Alliance Mentally III (NAMI), Family Support Group Trainer, 2018-2020 Magellan State Advisory Board Member. He impacted the lives of others by serving as a peer advocate. Joe advocated to legislators at the general assembly and was very instrumental in the passing of Senate Bill 555, a Barrier Crimes Bill, often referred to as the Hudson Bill.

Joe worked with the CSB and Senator Mason on this bill which revised laws that prevented individuals with criminal histories from working in the behavioral health field. Mr. Hudson was also inducted into the Hampton Newport News CSB Hall of Fame in 2018, due to his strong advocacy for individuals in need of behavioral health services.

Junie, as he was affectionately called, was a very caring and compassionate person. He was a man of great wisdom, and a die heart Redskins, now Washington Commanders football fan. He was a loving father and adored his daughter, Vonda. June was also a great brother and cherished his brother, David.

He was a great friend to so many and will be missed dearly.

He was greeted in heaven by his parents and sister, Joyce Savage.

Joe leaves to cherish his fondest memories his daughter, Lavonda Cypress of Houston, TX; two brothers David Hudson, Hampton, VA and Rodrick Hudson, Fayetteville, NC; nieces, Gwanda Speller, Gladys Nixon, Tonya Brown, Kimberly Rodgers Hill all reside in Williamston NC; nephew, Kadeem Patterson of Newport News, VA; special friends, Rovet Cypress, Glenn Newby, Tracey Bennafield, Luxtracia Gregory, Wendell Dixon, Charlie Pope and a host of great nieces, great nephews and cousins, relatives and friends.

Friends of Joe

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Gethsemane Baptist Church, Cooke Brothers Funeral Home, The NA Community, The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, The Hampton-Newport News Criminal Justice Agency, SAARA, NAMI, friends and family for your assistance, love and support. Joe loved you all and on his behalf, we say Thank you!

The family invites you to join them for a repast immediately following the Service of Celebration in Narthex of Gethsemane Baptist Church.