JoAnna Switzer Hudson

Mrs. JoAnna Switzer Hudson, 79, of Long Beach, went to be with her heavenly Father Thursday, December 23, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Travis Earl Hudson, who died October 16, 2010. Her parents were the late Calvin M. and Emmie Gill Switzer. Mrs. Hudson is survived by her daughter, Patricia Earle Hudson of Long Beach; her son and daughter-in-law, Calvin Michael and Lisa Wilbanks Hudson; her beloved grandson, Wesley Calvin Hudson of Leeds, AL; and her sisters, Dr. Calvinia Switzer and Wilda P. Switzer of Gulfport. JoAnna was a member of the Long Beach First United Methodist Church where she shared her unique, beautiful floral designs. JoAnna was well-known on the coast and state-wide for her conservation activities, most often saving and planting trees. She was president and a longtime member of the Long Beach Garden Club, a charter member of the Harrison County Master Gardeners; the recipient of the State Earth team volunteer of the year award from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service She served on the Harrison County Parkway Commission, the Long Beach Tree Board and coordinated the Tree City USA and Arbor Day activities for the City of Long Beach. She landscaped and tended the flowers in St. Patrick's Park. For her innumerable volunteer activitiies, Mrs. Hudson was given her most cherished, prestigious honor, The Presidential Service Award for volunteerism from President George W. Bush. The family prefers memorials to the Long Beach Garden Club, P.O. Box 392, Long Beach, MS 39560, or Long Beach First United Methodist Church, 208 Pine Street, Long Bech, MS 39560. The funeral service will be Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Long Beach First United Methodist Church where friends may visit beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Long Beach City Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, in Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.