Diana M. Hudson

Diana M. Hudson (Tootie), 77, was born December 20, 1947, to Syrus and Jessie Johnson in Kansas City, MO. She departed her physical life on July 3, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.

Diana accepted Christ as her savior at a very young age as a St. Joseph Catholic School student and church attendee and later converted to Baptist as a member of Zion Grove Missionary Church under the leadership of Pastor A.L. Johnson Sr. After he retired, she joined Grace United Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his son, A.L. Johnson Jr., where she served faithfully on the mother board. She enjoyed praising and giving testimonies for all that God had done for her. She fought the good fight; through her unwavering trust in God, she was determined not to let her illness define her. She took solace in knowing that her Savior had the last word.

Tootie believed in hard work and perseverance during her time of employment with American White Goods and Hallmark Cards in the 1980s before moving on to start a new career with First Student School Bus Service, where she worked 25+ years until her health declined. She worked as a monitor and dispatcher, where she was loved and appreciated.

Diana Hudson was a daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a fierce protector of her sister Sharon Mullins (Dee Dee) growing up and brought that same fierce protection into adulthood for her children and grandchildren.

She gave birth to 5 children but was a mother to many. Her door at 5045 Paseo was always open, and she didn’t mind helping anyone in need, whether it was a hot meal or a safe place to stay. She was a “Tuff” little lady with a big heart.

Tootie met Robert Hudson (Buck), the love of her life, in the 1960's and married him on July 26, 1973. They raised their 5 children together in a house of love and laughter. It was just another day in the Hudson home to see Tootie and Buck dancing in the foyer, creating wonderful memories to cherish for life.

In her final days, Diana’s strong devotion and love for her family remained evident as she had the presence of mind and desire to prepare the meal for her baby girl’s homegoing. Her love for family was unbreakable. Diana’s legacy of devotion, love, faith, and service will live on through her family and friends. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

Diana was preceded in death by her Parents, Syrus and Jessie Johnson. Grandmother Jewel Pitts, Husband Robert L. Hudson, Daughter Diana Porter, Stepson Terry Riley, a Grandson, a Great-granddaughter, Mother-in-law Beulah Hudson, Father-in-law Allen Hudson (Vyice), 2 Brothers-in-law, Allen and Cal Hudson, and Sister-in-law Shirley Hudson.

She leaves to cherish her memories. Son: Robert Mullins (Tilda). Daughters: Shirell Mullins, Michelle Knight (Paul), and Chantell Mullins. Stepson Anthony Butler. Siblings: Donald Mullins, Sharon Mullins, Joanna Mc Duffie (Robert), and Michael Johnson. Sisters-in-law: Barbara Martin, Linda Hudson, Sherri Holden (Ronnie), Sherella Battee, Cathy Hudson, Juanita Bryant (Cloyd), Norma Star (Anthony), and Elnora Hudson. Brothers-in-law: Lawrence Hudson (Connie), Ulysses Hudson (Wilhelmina), James Hudson (Janice), Lambert Hudson (Ollie), Michael Hudson (Anna), and Milton Hudson.

19 grandkids, 30 great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends, including a special cousin, Gary Johnson, who was like a brother to her. They had a bond that could not be broken and were always looking out for one another.