Nellie Ellis Hudgins (Grey), 91, of Butner NC, died peacefully in her sleep on June 14th, 2019 at Franklin Manor in Youngsville, NC.

Born on May 26, 1928 to the late Helen and Irvin Ellis, Grey was 1 of 10 children, who grew up on the family farm and attended Geneva Presbyterian Church. After graduating from Stem High School, she married the love of her life, the late Julian Hudgins, and in 1956 they moved to Butner where they were instrumental in establishing the Butner Presbyterian Church of which they both were charter members. She was very active in the life of the church and especially the Women of the Church group. 

Grey worked in various positions at Murdoch Center and loved the residents there. She considered attending nursing school but instead decided to focus on being a mother. While at Murdoch Center, she enjoyed playing on the women's basketball team. She retired from Murdoch in 1978 on medical disability. 

Grey loved all kinds of sports and could be seen at local ballgames cheering on her son, Cecil, and later her beloved grandchildren, Justin and Jessica. She was an avid Duke basketball fan and took pride in poking fun at Cecil when Duke would occasionally beat UNC in basketball. She also loved to bowl and dance and would shake a leg as often as possible. 

A lifelong resident of Granville County, Grey loved her family, her church and the little town of Butner. When traveling, she was always eager to tell others where she was from.  She was physically active and could often be seen walking the sidewalks in Butner. In her last several years, dementia and several strokes took a toll on her body but she always perked up when family came to visit. 

Grey is survived by her son Cecil Hudgins (Erma), her grandchildren Justin and Jessica Hudgins, brothers Jim Ellis, Jack Ellis, sisters Francis Ellis Wilkins, Clara Ellis Reynolds, Patricia Ellis Bradsher. She is preceded in death by her late husband Julian Cecil Hudgins, sisters Alice Ellis House, Lillian Ellis Poole, brothers Robert Ellis and Clement Ellis. 

Visitation and funeral services will be at Butner Presbyterian Church, visitation from 12:30 – 1:45, and funeral service will be at 2:00 on Tuesday, June 18th followed by a graveside service at Carolina Memorial Gardens in Creedmoor. 

The family is grateful for your attendance and In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Butner Presbyterian Church. The family would also like to thank the staff at Franklin Manor and Transitions LifeCare of Wake County for caring for Nellie during her illness.