Ermyne "Dolly" Moss Hudgins

Graveside services for Ermyne “Dolly” Moss Hudgins, 93, of Lufkin will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Garden of Memories Sunset Mausoleum, followed by memorial services at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, Lufkin with Reverend Jennifer Steele-Lantis officiating.

Ermyne “Dolly” Moss Hudgins was born in McKinney, Texas, to Ermyne and Orlia “OJ” Moss on October 12, 1930, and died Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Growing up in Bryan, Texas, as the youngest of four children, she developed the traits of a strong personality needed to claim her family territory, and she was fortunate enough to grow up in a relatively modest but loving and caring home. After completing her secondary education and possessing a naturally beautiful singing voice, Dolly attended Texas Christian University where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with vocal emphasis. Upon graduating, she was employed as the new choir teacher in the public school system of Corpus Christi, Texas, in a school where the new band director was one Jack Hudgins. They were married in 1953 and had daughter Cay in 1954 and son Will in 1959. As Jack's post-army career of college administration had the family hopping around the state, Dolly continued her career of teaching children in several stages of education and raising her children through the "happy years.” When Jack accepted the appointment of President of Angelina College in 1966, the young Hudgins family moved to Lufkin and Dolly began teaching at Coston Elementary School. Within several years she saw a need for a Speech/Drama curriculum in the new Lufkin Intermediate School. After advocating for this course, she earned the certification required for teaching it, moved into this new role, and influenced many budding adults by introducing them to previously unknown, to them, arts and cultural events and planning plays and shows for the school. During her thirty-six years in the Texas public school system, her impact on generations of children was dramatic.

Upon her retirement from teaching in the mid-80's, Dolly re-invented herself yet again, this time in an endeavor to help folks at the other end of life's spectrum. She presented a plan to a local bank in Lufkin for a travel group which became known as the 55-55 Club, the name stating the requirements of a certain age and bank holdings to become a member. The trips she planned started modestly, with groups traveling to Crockett, Houston, Dallas and the like. In a short period of time, Dolly was taking large groups throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and on trips as far flung as Australia including one trip through the Panama Canal. This was the perfect arrangement, as Dolly was providing a stress-free opportunity for seniors to travel in a way that they could not do alone, while providing the opportunity for her to be in charge of everything.

Dolly spent her last years in the care of the wonderful staff of Pinecrest Retirement Center. Although troubled with the aging process, she was always “in there.” Somewhat sad was the fact that she was unable to remember all of the wonderful things she provided for so many people, young and old, family and friends, throughout her life. Thank you for celebrating the life of Dolly Hudgins with us.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Cay and Tom Billingsley of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Will Hudgins and Rachel Fagerburg of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren and spouses, John and Antoinette Billingsley, Beth and Tyler Maun, Leah Menaul, and Jackson Hudgins; great-grandchildren, Ramona Billingsley and Addison Billingsley; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack William Hudgins, Jr.; sister, Nancy Moss Bannister; and brothers, Jack Moss and Bill Moss.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Jack W. Hudgins Memorial Scholarship Fund at Angelina College, with checks payable to Angelina College Foundation, 3500 S. First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, First Christian Church Lufkin, 1300 S. First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or the charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.