Mrs. Yvonne Hudgins of Tampa, FL, transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at First Union Missionary Baptist Church, 3707 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, FL 33610, with Rev. James Thompkins, officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida.

Yvonne Hudgins was born on July 2, 1939, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late James and Ola Mae Askew. She was educated in the Anniston School System, where she built a strong foundation rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. In September of 1955, she married the love of her life, SSGT Richard Allen Hudgins. Together, they raised a beautiful family of four children, traveling across the world during their distinguished military careers. In 1971, they settled in Tampa, Florida, where they planted lasting roots and continued nurturing their family with love, faith, and unity.

Yvonne came from a large and close-knit family, which helped shape her into the extraordinary woman she became. She was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her, radiating love, wisdom, strength, and compassion. Her home was always open, and her heart even more so. She carried herself with grace and humility, often offering words of encouragement, a warm embrace, or a helping hand to anyone in need.

In 1989, Yvonne became an active and devoted member of New First Union Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith in the Lord was unwavering, and her service to the church and her community reflected the depth of her spirit. She lived her life guided by kindness and love, leaving an everlasting impression on family, friends, and all who had the blessing of crossing her path.

She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, SSGT Richard Allen Hudgins; daughter, Connie Faye Hudgins-Williams; parents, James and Ola Mae Askew; brothers, James Askew (Edith), Wallace Askew, Terry Askew, Thomas "Llamart" Askew, and Tyrone Askew; sisters, Juell Jackson, Cynthia Askew, and Epsie "Lil Sister" Deboard; nephew, Lee Anthony Askew; and grandson, Juan L.E. Baldwin-Hudgins.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted sons, Michael Hudgins, Sr. (Dorothy) and Richard D. Hudgins (Cynthia); her loving daughter, Phyllis Hudgins; her grandchildren, Candis Hudgins, Brinnie Hudgins, Brittany Lowe (Shane), Jessica Williams, Olando Ricks (Stephanie), Tavares Hudgins, Andre’ Hudgins, Michael Hudgins, Jr. (Keisha), and Walter Holmes; her treasured great-grandchildren, Shaniya, Brianna, Sinai, Skyla, Liam, Kayla, Aunyea, Jaleyne, Amaya, Sophia, Nova, Isaiah, Micah, Rikeriyah, Sariah, Josiah, Michael III, Caleb, Isaiah, Skye and Isabella; her loving siblings, Warren “Mickie” Askew (Shirlene “Tiny”) and Caroldeen Armstrong; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

A special thank you to: Mr. Lemuel Nathaniel Johnson, a dear and lifelong friend to the Hudgins family. His unwavering support, kindness, and presence through the years have been a true blessing, and his friendship will always be cherished.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at New First Union Baptist Church, 3707 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, FL 33610.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com