Johnnie Ruth Hudson

Johnnie Ruth McDaniel Hudson
November 12, 1936 - October 10, 2025

Johnnie Ruth, a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, having received full salvation, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Clinton, Mississippi.

Born on November 12, 1936, Johnnie Ruth graduated from Gulfport High School in 1955. She went on to earn a Bachelor in Administration in 1959, a Master in Education in 1969, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1982 — all from Mississippi College.

Johnnie Ruth devoted much of her life to Mississippi College, both as a student and an employee. She began her career there in January 1969 and retired in 1994. During her distinguished tenure, she broke multiple barriers as the first woman to serve as Vice President for External Affairs, Assistant Dean of the MC School of Law, and Special Counsel to the President. She was also the inaugural Director of the Paralegal Studies Program and served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Independent Colleges from 1982 to 1994. In that role, she worked extensively at the state and federal levels on nonprofit issues, tax and charitable giving policy, and state grant and scholarship programs for Mississippi students.

Her commitment to public service extended beyond academia. Johnnie Ruth served one term on Governor Kirk Fordice's State Job Training Coordinating Council and, after retiring from Mississippi College, operated a private law practice dedicated to pro bono work.

Within her community, she was deeply involved and highly regarded. She served on the Clinton YMCA Board, was President of the Arts Council of Clinton, and a founding member of the "Arts in April" committee. She was an active member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1993 and receiving the "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" award in 1994. She also co-founded and served as President of the Clinton Community Development Foundation from 1994 to 1997.

Johnnie Ruth was the fifth of seven children born to Louie V. "Monk" McDaniel, Sr. and Lena Lou Dale McDaniel, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her three brothers — Louie V. McDaniel, Jr., Richmond Dale "Pete" McDaniel, and Jack Kenneth McDaniel — and her three sisters — Patricia Glen McDaniel Hannaghan, Barbara "Billie" McDaniel Alley, and Bonlyan "Bobbie" McDaniel Miller McIntyre.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Joel Kelly "Hap" Hudson; five children, David K. "Hap" Hudson (Vonda), Deborah Hudson McCaa (Andy), Karen Hudson Reeves, Melinda Hudson Zambrano, and Brian E. Hudson (Aimee); sixteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends she met throughout her national and international travels.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Clinton, Mississippi, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served as family and friends reflect, rejoice, and remember Johnnie Ruth together. Casual attire. Please come with a memory, a smile, and a spirit of thanksgiving as we celebrate a life that touched so many through kindness, strength, laughter, and love.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests that memorials be directed to
First Baptist Church, Clinton, Mississippi - Chest of Joash, in honor of Johnnie Ruth.

Donations may be mailed to:
First Baptist Church
100 East College Street
Clinton, Mississippi 39056

or made online at https://fbcclinton.org/joash

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