Martha A. Hudgens

Martha Ann (Fulmer) Hudgens, 90, of Hot Springs, passed away of a sudden and brief illness after a long vibrant life on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.

She was devoted to her family, her dogs, duplicate bridge and crossword puzzles.

Martha was born June 30, 1931, in Little Rock to the late Gaston and Verda (Jones) Fulmer. She attended Little Rock’s Central High School, where she was voted “best groomed” —a practice she was known for having continued throughout her life. At Little Rock Junior College (now UA Little Rock), she met her husband, the late Charles L. “Buddy” Hudgens.

Martha discovered and fell in love with bridge in the early 1960s. She soon took her game very seriously, studying conventions, critiquing her play and dedicating herself to continuously improving. She was a longtime member of the American Contract Bridge League and a charter member of the Hot Springs Duplicate Bridge Club. She achieved the rankings of Life Master at Gold and Sapphire levels and earned more than 4,500 points, which she said “wasn’t easy, but it was fun!” She met many lifelong friends during her years of bridge.

As a young woman, she had worked as a legal stenographer at the Arkansas Highway Department, before devoting her focus to her children and honing her bridge game. Once her children were grown, she worked seasonally at Oaklawn Park for over 25 years. She was proud to be a part of the Racing Festival of the South.

Martha is survived by her two children, Kathy Jordan and Brad (Stacy) Hudgens of Hot Springs; two grandchildren, Dr. Allison Hudgens (Dr. Matt) Dinehart of Burlington, VT and John Bradford Hudgens of Austin, Texas; nieces, Jan Beard of Jonesboro, Judy (Carrroll) Bates of Little Rock, Julie (Graham) Holt of Hot Springs, and nephew, Chuck (Kay) Webster of Florida, and special family friend, Jo Anne (Rock) Davis.

She was preceded in death by her brother Jack (Jean) Fulmer and sister Mary Ellen (Charles) Webster.

Martha held a special place in her heart for her canine companions over the years—Michel, Brigitte and LeAnne—and to her “furry grandchildren,” as well. She was proud to be a long-term breast cancer survivor.

A private memorial service will be held in the future. Condolences online at http://www. grossfuneralhome.com.

Memorials can be given in Martha’s honor to the The Bridge House of Hot Springs, the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of Garland County.