Rev. John Claybourne Hudson departed this life for the next on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the age of 89 in Norfolk, Virginia, after a brief illness. Born in Florida on May 25, 1937, John was the son of the late Malrie Lee Hudson and the late Mary Alice Metcalf Hudson.
John was a Navy brat who lived in many places before his family finally settled in Norfolk, Virginia, where he graduated from Norview High School in 1956. His love of music grew from his experiences in church and his high school chorus teacher who recognized that he had the gift of a beautiful voice. At this time in his life, he dedicated his voice to God. After high school, John joined the Air Force, spending time in Korea. After four years, he left the Air Force to continue his education, attending Bluefield Junior College, Old Dominion College, and Southeastern Seminary, where he received his Masters of Divinity.
John was a Baptist minister for several years before pursuing other life goals. He has been an alcoholics counselor, a family counselor, and a probation officer, always in positions that showed his caring spirit. Because he also had an adventurous side, John answered the call of the open road and became a long-range trucker! He followed this career for several years, (twice!) before Myrtle put her tiny foot down and insisted he come back home. Over the years, John has also been a realtor and even had a small business doing tune-ups before computers began to run the automobile world.
Throughout his life, he was ever the musician. He sang in choirs in high school, college, and in church. He also studied classical guitar for many years. Recently, he became a member of The Master’s Men from Great Bridge United Methodist Church as well as the Chancel Choir, great joys for him.
Being a man who wanted to share the Good News with others, John enjoyed teaching Sunday School and leading Bible study groups. He was especially fond of his friends at Leigh Hall where he resided.
John was preceded in death by his dear wife Myrtle, to whom he was married for over 63 years.
He is survived by his brother, Thomas Malrie Hudson (Song-yun) of Jacksonville, Florida; his sister, Deborah Baxter (William) of Chesapeake, Virginia; niece Amy Haney, also of Chesapeake; nephews Tom Hudson, Jr. (Zulma) of Zuni, Virginia; Michael Baxter (Tammy) of Norfolk, Virginia and Timothy Baxter, Chesapeake, Virginia; great-nieces Alexandra Hudson and Catherine Hudson of Zuni, Virginia; and great nephews Colin Haney, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Parker Baxter Rogers of Moyock, North Carolina.