Nancy B. Hudgins

Nancy Lorraine Blake Hudgins left us peacefully on October 28, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer surrounded by her family. 

Born in Bena, Virginia to the late Lorraine and Isaac Blake, Nancy attended Gloucester High School playing basketball throughout the years. After graduation, Nancy began working for Dr. Marvin West, DDS in Williamsburg. While working full time, she attended a Dental Assistant weekly night program in Richmond, sponsored through MCV. She challenged and obtained her Certification of Dental Assistant. After working with Dr. West for many years she started working as the office manager for her Father at Blake & Bass Seafood. 

In 1977 Nancy married the love of her life, James Brownley (Bullet) Hudgins and made Mathews, VA their home. Together they raised their two children, James Blake Hudgins (Lindsay) and Stephanie Lynn Foster (Seth), and grandson, Hunter Foster. Second to God, family and traditions were priorities in Nancy’s life. She hosted and attended yearly family gatherings. Nancy loved the water. Whether she was fishing with Jimmy & Blake, relaxing at New Point with friends, or stretched out on the beach in the Outer Banks, the tranquility of the water brought her great joy. Nancy was not a stranger to shopping. Many weekends were filled with her and Stephanie going to craft shows, visiting the mall, and looking for unique gifts for loved ones. However, her favorite shopping day of the year was Black Friday. Since she was a little girl, Black Friday meant Nancy and all the ladies dressing up and taking the children to Miller and Rhodes to see Santa Clause. This shopping tradition continued for three generations, and the memories of laughter and love remain. When not shopping or boating, Nancy enjoyed traveling. Not a fan of airplanes, Nancy enjoyed driving around the country on trips with Jimmy. Nothing brought more joy to Nancy than watching her grandson, Hunter Ripley Foster, play sports. Nancy could be found in the stands and bleachers loudly cheering him on as only a grandmother can.

Nancy was active in her community. She served in many roles as long-standing member of Bethel Church of Mathews, the Women’s Ministry and Missions, the Chesapeake Bay Circle KDS and the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her family, Nancy leaves behind her sister, Carolyn Mershon (Bill), Nephew Jeff Mershon (Connie) and Niece Sandy van Leliveld (Teddy) and a host of extended family and friends to mourn her loss. 

The family will receive friends at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm. A graveside service will be held at H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, 251 Smither’s Lane (Rt. 627) Hudgins, Virginia at 11 am on Friday, November 1, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Mathews Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 1130 Mathews VA 23109), Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad (94 Cricket Hill Rd Mathews, VA 23076), and Ministry and Mission (5035 Buckley Hall Rd Cobbs Creek, VA 23035).