Amelia Hudgins Walker, 80, of Olin, N.C., passed from this world on June 6, 2025, on her dad’s birthday. She is now sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Amelia was born on July 29, 1944, to the late Dr. Robert Hudgins (D.V.M.) and Mrs. LaRue Pearce Hudgins. The oldest of five children, she was often the chauffeur and helper to her family. The Hudgins family would walk to First Baptist Church of Statesville, where Amelia was active in all aspects of church often saying that if the doors were open they were there.
After graduating in 1962 from Statesville High School, Amelia went on to Gardner Webb University, where she played basketball and earned a degree in nursing. She would spend her entire career in nursing, working at several hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies.
Through a friend she would meet her husband, the late William “Bobby” Walker Sr. They married on May 15, 1982, and she moved to his family’s farm in Olin, where she remained until her passing. Their marriage would bring two beautiful children that would keep her busy the rest of her life. She loved farming and motherhood. You would often find her doing farm chores and being at every event her children were participating in. Mom instilled in her children a love for God, family and community.
Mom would join Mount Vernon Baptist Church in 1999 where she was an active member. She taught the Tiny Tots Sunday School class for over 25 years, was an avid prayer warrior, served as WMU president, church pianist, sang in the choir and helped with the youth. She would do anything for her church family whom she dearly loved!
Music was instrumental in Mom’s life. She loved the Bill Gaither Homecoming Hour, going to fiddler conventions, singing with the Mitchell Community Choir and concerts as well as playing the piano. Mom enjoyed many types of music.
In her later years, her favorite job was being Granny to three well-loved grandchildren. Granny was often riding the Polaris with the grands, attending ball games, helping with homework, reading books or giving them more snacks than allowed.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Sue Ligon, and her husband Jim; and a nephew, Robert “Rob” Hudgins III.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Elizabeth Walker Adkins and husband Gerald, son William “Bill” Walker Jr. and wife Lauren; grandchildren Walker, Lee and Corinna Adkins; brothers, Robert Hudgins and wife Vicki, Dr. Jeff Hudgins and wife Jennifer and John Hudgins; as well as six nieces and nephews; and five great nieces and nephews; two aunts and many cousins. Additional survivors are special neighbors and close friends, Amy and Dean Davis, as well as countless faithful friends.
The family will greet friends and neighbors on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 145 Mount Vernon Road, Olin, N.C. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at high noon at Mount Vernon Baptist Church and officiated by Rev. Glenn Dancy III and Pastor Bill Phillips. The body will lie in state from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will follow at the Moss Chapel Cemetery, 345 Mosswood Road, Olin, N.C.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dean Davis, David Sloan, Austin Rash, Wally Eades, Terry Rupard and Denver Walker. Honorary Pallbearers will be Keith Lentz, Ricky Poole, Earl Hendrix, Mike Templeton, Sam Sloan and Steven Sloan.
Memorials may be made to Union Grove United Methodist Church, c/o Methodist Meals, 1331 Sloans Mill Road, Union Grove, NC 28689 or Mount Vernon Baptist Church, c/o: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 145 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Olin, NC 28660.
A special thank you to Mom’s care team of Dr. Joshi, Dr. Scholar and Dr. Boyer and their staff for taking care of mom for many years. Also, thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Iredell County (especially Katrina) who allowed us to fulfill Mom’s last wish of remaining in her home until her passing.
Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is proudly serving the Walker Family.