Joan Hudnall

Joan Vandergriff Hudnall, our beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother was welcomed into the loving arms of her Creator on Friday, March 20, 2009, at the age of 73. She was born in Corsicana, Texas, on January 2, 1936. In Corsicana, she graduated from Corsicana High School and Navarro Junior College, before moving to Tyler in the 1950’s. It was here that she met her loving husband and soulmate, Ogden S. Hudnall. Joan loved the simple things in life like playing the piano, traveling, dining out, shopping, musicals, and watching her grandchildren perform on the field or stage. Of all the things she enjoyed, she most loved being with her family. Mrs. Hudnall was a member of First Baptist Church. She was also a keynote member of the Women’s Symphony League, and member of Hollytree & Eagles’ Bluff Country Clubs. Mrs. Hudnall was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Robert Lehman Vandergriff, Sr. She is survived by her loving family including her husband, Ogden; four children; son, Chris Hudnall of Tyler; three daughters, Jill and husband Dr. Stephen Spain of Tyler, Donna and husband Dr. Dan Echols of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Pam Hudnall of Dallas. The eldest of three children, Joan is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Robert Hardiman of Tyler; and her brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Dianne Vandergriff of Tyler; and by her sister-in-law Lometa Hudnall Cox and husband LeRoy Cox of Evanston, Illinois. Joan loved being Nanna to seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by Courtney and Brandon Echols of Scottsdale, Arizona, Hudnall Shannon of Midland, Allison Spain of New York City, Nick Spain of Austin, Shane Hudnall of San Angelo, Shannon Corley, Dylan Lassiter and Connor Corley, all of Tyler. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Everyone who met her would say the same thing “She is the sweetest, nicest person” they had ever met, so we all know that Heaven just became an even sweeter place. We will celebrate her life on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 11 o’clock at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Dr. Paul Powell presiding, followed by graveside services at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23rd from to 5:00 – 6:30 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tony Morgan, Chuck Horton, Bill Iker, Clint Cox, Mark Vandergriff, and Stephen Spain. To honor her status as a twelve-year cancer survivor, and in gratitude to the physicians and medical staff that cared for her, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the Smith County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX, 75701.

Joan Hudnall

January 2, 1936 - March 20, 2009