10/14/2025
Shirley Stein (Hudson) Richards was born on January 5, 1951, in Cornerstone, Arkansas, to the late Deacon L.V. Hudson, Sr., and the late Mother Ruth Naomi (Taylor) Hudson.
She was a proud 1969 graduate of Altheimer High School and went on to attend Arkansas AM&N. Later, she graduated from Williams Beauty School, where she discovered her lifelong passion for cosmetology.
Shirley began her professional journey at Timex Corporation in Little Rock, where she worked faithfully for 14 years.
A masterful beautician for more than 40 years, Shirley opened Shirley’s Beauty Salon in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1994, where she served as both owner and operator. The beauty shop became her “stage,” a place where she uplifted, encouraged, and inspired everyone who walked through her doors. From open to close, people would often stop by—not just for a style, but to laugh, talk, and share life with Ms. Shirley.
A true entrepreneur at heart, Shirley successfully managed several business ventures after her time at Timex. She continued the vision of Mr. Sam Cook (originator) by taking over the Blues Fest beginning in 1999, which first began in Pine Bluff and later moved to Altheimer; bringing together music, culture, and community. She was the sole-proprietor of the All New Duck Inn Chateau and Lounge. She also owned rental properties and worked at Walmart until her transition.
One of Shirley’s greatest joys was making sure others never went without. She often shared food unexpectedly and gave away clothing to those in need. During the holidays, she provided meals to family, friends, and neighbors, ensuring everyone felt cared for. Shirley was also one of the fastest cooks around, and her famous “hot spaghetti” was always a family and friends’ favorite!
In 1971, Shirley welcomed her cherished daughter, Kecia Necole Hudson, into the world.
Shirley shared over 20 years of companionship with Mr. Samson Cook, Sr., a relationship grounded in love and friendship until his passing.
On June 10, 2002, she found love again and married Mr. Lonnie Lee Richards, to whom she was a devoted and faithful wife until his passing on October 4, 2011.
From an early age, Shirley was rooted in faith. She was a lifelong member of Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Altheimer, Arkansas, where she served under the leadership of Elder W.M. Pullen, Elder George Alexander, Elder L.R. Collins, Superintendent Lawrence O’Neal, Pastor Karl Barnes, and Pastor Louie Robinson, Jr.
At Mason Temple, she served faithfully on the Trustee Board, sang in the Youth Choir, and later succeeded the late Missionary Burnestine Starks as Supervisor of the Hospitality Committee. Shirley was known for spearheading many benefit programs to support the church she loved so dearly. She also attended Bible Study at First Trinity Church of God in Christ in Pine Bluff, where she continued to grow in her faith.
Shirley was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Mr. Samson Cook, Sr.; her husband, Lonnie Lee Richards; her parents; four sisters, Lucille Custard, Ruthie Mae Hudson, Evelyn Hudson, and Maxine Williams; and one brother, L.V. Hudson, Jr.
She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories with her daughter, Kecia (Percy) Hudson-Winston, of Red Oak, Texas; the nephew she loved like a son, Rickey (Shaunta) Hudson, of Little Rock, Arkansas; their son, Dantrell (Lucy) Wilkins, of Little Rock, Arkansas; their daughter, Danielle Hudson, of Little Rock, Arkansas; two grandsons, Toney and Darius Winston, of Red Oak, Texas; four granddaughters, KeAndra Mason, of Richardson, Texas; KeAira Mason and Jasmine Winston, both of Red Oak, Texas; and Madelynn Winston, of Nacogdoches, Texas. She is also survived by three great-grandsons, Michael, Kayden, and Messiah; six great-nephews, Dantrell Jr. (DJ), Brycen, Tyrelle, Mason, Kennedy III, and Kaiden; one great-niece, Laila; one brother, Charles (Judy) Hudson, of Los Angeles, California; one sister, First Lady Alma Faye (Bishop Bill) McDonnell, of North Las Vegas, Nevada; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Shirley will be remembered for her warm spirit, unwavering faith, entrepreneurial drive, and her gift for making everyone she met feel loved, seen, and uplifted. Her legacy of strength, grace, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, at First Trinity COGIC, Pine Bluff, AR, Elder Karl Barnes eulogist. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 10:15 until time of service.
Obituary submitted by The Family.
www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com
