W. Jean Hudspeth went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 11, 2013.  The Homegoing Celebration will begin with visitation from 4 to 8 pm., Tuesday, December 17th and the Homegoing Celebration at 10 am, Wednesday, December 18th.  Both services are being held at Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 929 14th Street, Rock Island, IL.

Jean was born December 6, 1927 in Warren, AR to Thomas Lafayette Whitfield and Calantha Neely Whitfield.  She graduated from Bradley County High School where she was active in sports.  On August 26, 1945 she married James Wilson.  From that union  seven children were born.  In 1971 she was united in marriage with Royal Hudspeth and became mother to two more children.  She retired from the Rock Island Arsenal as a Supervisor in Building 299.

Jean had a strong relationship with the Lord.  She was a member of Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Rock Island and was the current President of the Mothers’ Board.  She also was past president of the Choir and a Sunday School teacher.

Jean was a lover of life.  She enjoyed her many trips to foreign countries.  Her favorite thing in the world to do was golf.  An avid golfer, she belonged to two golf leagues until she was 84 years old.  Another love of hers was bowling, which she also continued to 84.    She made many friends on the links and alleys. Jean was a mother to many and shared her home with many people in need.  She’s a former Eastern Star.

Left to honor her memory are daughters, Gloria (John) Walton, Moline, Connie McKinney, Jacksonville, FL, Valerie Hudspeth, San Antonio, TX, Vivian Hudspeth, Sacramento, CA, sons, James (BJ) Wilson, Galesburg, MI, William Wilson, Rock Island, Michael (Susan) Wilson, Louisville, KY and Robert Anthony (Paula) Wilson, East Moline, sister Barbara Davis, Kansas City, MO and special niece-daughter Marilyn Sutton, Milwaukee WI.  Also left to cherish her memory are thirty one grandchildren, fifty-nine great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Bonnie Wilson and sister Mary Frances Jones.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.