Joy Ann Hudson

March 13, 1926 - January 21, 2016

Joy Ann Nichols, 89, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Thursday, January 21, 2016. Joy was born on March 13, 1926 to Thomas Lee Nichols and James "Jimmie" Ellen Mainer Nichols.  Six siblings have preceded her in death- Lee Mainer Nichols, Floye Nichols Herrington, James Wallace Nichols, Mary Lois Nichols Dameron, Helen Nichols Green, and Alice Nichols Cunningham.  Her sister, Mae Nichols Presley survives her.

She graduated DeRidder High School in 1943.  On September 18, 1943 she married Millard Newton Hudson from Merryville before he deployed for military service.  They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Millard's passing in 1997. The family lived in the Maplewood, LA area from 1948-1968, then in Tulsa, OK until the mid 80's when they returned to Beauregard parish, LA.

Joy is survived by her 3 children, Thomas Hudson and wife Marijen, Sharon Williams and husband Jerry, Carroll Cotton and husband Richard, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and her loving care giver, Barbara Young.  She was a beloved Mama Joy to 7 grandchildren- Bryan Hudson, Terry Hudson, David Hudson, Brandon Cotton, Jessica Grigsby, Sean Grigsby, Christopher Lewis; 4 great grandchildren, Austin Hudson, Bryce Hudson, Rory Joseph, Conner Joseph.

Joy was a true southern lady.  Many will remember her for her commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, her close communication with every descendant of the Nichols family, her many life-long friendships, the creativity reflected in her paintings, the care she took of family heirlooms so they could be handed down to future generations and her collections of other historical items.

Please join the family in celebrating Joy's life on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at New Life Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am with service at 11:00am.  Pastor Lynn Clayton will officiate.  Joy will be buried in Merryville next to the love of her life in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to New Life Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA, a charity of your choice, or random acts of kindness which was Joy's style.