On Saturday, February 9, 2019, Corey Matthew Hudson was welcomed into his eternal home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Corey passed peacefully surrounded by his family and one of his closest childhood friends. He was 38 years old. Corey was born in Manhattan, KS on September 8, 1980. He was the youngest child of Raymond and Connie Hudson. He was raised in Cove, Arkansas and graduated from Van Cove High School. He was a very talented athlete, playing baseball, and basketball his entire life. He was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" in his graduating class. He attended Carl Albert University for a short time, but ultimately moved to Lawrence, KS. It is there that he attended Haskell Indian Nations University and received his B.A. in Elementary Education in 2009. Corey went on to have a successful career working with at risk youth. He was an Academic Adviser for Haskell's Upward Bound Academy. He also taught 2nd and 3rd grades at the Kickapoo Nation Reservation School In Powhattan, KS; was a Special Education Para-Professional at Southwest Middle School in Lawrence, KS., and taught math and reading enrichment at New York Elementary, also in Lawrence KS.

Corey was a dedicated and beloved father and husband. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a mentor, a teacher and a friend. He leaves behind a meaningful legacy and lasting impression on every heart he touched. Corey had a passion for teaching and sought to uplift and bring hope into the lives of children, especially Native Youth. He had a sincere love for life, a contagious laugh and a sweet smile that will missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He loved his family and his heart was filled with a strong faith in God. He was generous with his time and would look for opportunities to help others. His favorite moments were ones he spent with his family at home-whether he was cheering on The Golden State Warriors, making Sunday morning pancakes, or just relaxing while enjoying Wheel of Fortune. Corey was happiest when he was with his family, surrounded by the laughter of his children. Corey lives on each time they smile and with every laugh they share. His time in this life may have been cut short, but he left a lasting impression and had a heart overflowing with love.

Corey leaves behind his wife, Valerie and their 3 children: John Anthony (18), Madalyn Grace (13) and Charlotte Mae (9). He is also survived by his father, Raymond Hudson and his "2nd mom", Stephanie Hudson, both of NLR. He has 3 siblings, John Scott Bryant, Sarah Hudson, and Matthew Hudson (Yvonne) as well as a very large extended family and countless friends. Corey was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Hudson, his paternal grandparents Jimmy & Rosie Milam and his aunts, Martha Clark and Janet Hudson.

A celebration of Corey's life will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home 1504 N JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, AR 72076. Cremation services are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas (501) 313-5431.