On June 14, 1963, the world was blessed with the life of Clairerencia D. Hudson, lovingly known to her family and friends as Rency.
Rency was born to Shirley Holmes Robinson and Napoleon Holmes Sr. Her father preceded her in death, while her mother, Shirley Robinson, remains a cherished part of her family.
Rency grew up in the Birmingham area, where she attended Center Point Elementary School and later graduated from Huffman High School, Class of 1982.
At a very early age, Rency joined Miles Memorial AME Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Her faith remained an important part of her life. Later in life, she moved to Alabaster, Alabama, where she regularly attended Liberty Baptist Church.
Throughout her life, Rency became so many things to so many people—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, coworker, and a woman whose presence became part of the lives of everyone who truly knew her.
For more than 20 years, Rency worked diligently at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Her many years of service reflected the dedication, strength, and consistency she carried throughout her life.
Rency was a devoted wife to Orrin Hudson, with whom she shared 15 years of marriage. From their union came three beautiful children: Orrin Hudson Jr. “Doc,” Keith Hudson, and Clairerencia “Claire” Hudson.
Rency was also blessed with two grandchildren, Orion Hudson and Ashley Hudson, who became another beautiful part of her legacy. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Marley, who brought companionship and joy to her life.
Rency shared a loving bond with her brothers, King Holmes (Shamelia), Napoleon Holmes Jr. (Sharon Faye), and Robert Darryl Holmes.
Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. She leaves a beautiful legacy carried forward by her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, coworkers, close friends, and many loved ones whose lives she touched along the way.
But a life cannot truly be captured by dates, titles, jobs, or even a list of accomplishments.
Rency lived.
She experienced life. She loved. She laughed. She worked. She raised her children. She created memories. She showed up for the people she loved. She had her own personality, her own way, her own style, and her own presence.
She was real.
She was not simply one thing to this world. She was a devoted wife, Mama to her children, Grandma to her grandchildren, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a cousin, a friend, a coworker, and a familiar face to people whose lives crossed hers throughout her 63 years.
Her family will remember not only what she did, but how it felt to have Rency here—the conversations, the laughter, the lessons, the everyday moments, and the love that became so familiar that it felt like home.
Although her physical journey concluded on September 11, 2026, the life Rency lived did not disappear with that moment. Her influence continues through her children, her grandchildren, her mother, her brothers, her entire family, Marley, her friends, the people she loved, the stories they will continue to tell, and the countless memories that belong only to those fortunate enough to have known her.
Her family will continue to speak her name.
They will continue to tell her stories.
They will continue to laugh about the memories.
They will continue to carry forward what she taught them.
Because Rency’s life mattered.
She loved, and she was deeply loved.
And that love lives on.
Love Like Rency. Laugh Like Rency. Live Like Rency.