Mary Elizabeth (Crotts) Hudson

Mary Elizabeth (Crotts) Hudson. The world is a less interesting place as of August 15, 2019 when Mary Elizabeth (Crotts) Hudson, 81, of Searcy died in Little Rock. She fought through a number of health challenges in recent years, kicking cancer's ass twice in the process. She was born in Kensett, Ark., on Christmas Eve in 1937, never having a "real" birthday celebration until she was in her 20's. Times were tough in rural White Co., in those years, although she didn't complain about the unfairness of her birthday being overlooked during the traditional holiday season. Her parents were Odis Cecil and Clara Bell Crotts. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Helen Crotts and Norma Burgin. She is survived by a sister, Hazel Girkin, a brother, Charles Crotts (spouse Jessie), sons, Tim (spouse Charlotte) and Ric (spouse Gaye), grandsons, Renwick, Richard and Jack Hudson, nephews, Terry Murphy, Larry Barnett and Mike Barnett, nieces Debbie Barnett, Karen Gossett and Lisa Crotts, numerous grand-nephews and nieces, and a large number of people who consider her their "Aunt Mary." A number of notable events occurred in her life including dancing with Elvis Presley in Newport, Ark., in the 1950s, winning the "quick draw" championship at a gun club in Miami, Fla., taking Caribbean and South American cruises in the 1960s, telling off the then-mayor of Searcy in the 1970s, and helping run a successful antiques business with her sister Norma in the ‘80s. As "Aunt Mary," she helped many friends and family with childcare, as well as lending a sympathetic ear or shoulder to cry on during difficult times. Even in the midst of her own challenges, she was always concerned about others. In keeping with her very specific wishes, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. However, she agreed to let friends and family gather for a party, which will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice or, better yet, do something nice for someone else in Mary's memory. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.