Rena Hudson
Rena Hudson (born May 1935 in Birmingham; died March 15, 2017) served as Mayor of Warrior for six terms between 1984 to 2012.
Hudson grew up in East Lake and graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1953. She began her career as a city clerk for Gardendale and Kimberly.
Hudson was encouraged by a friend to run for mayor in 1980. She lost that race, but won the next one, and was re-elected to three subsequent terms. She was defeated by challenger Jerry Cochran in 2000, but was returned to the mayor's office in 2004 and was reelected in 2008. She retired from the office in 2012 to care for her husband.
As Mayor, Hudson was successful in bringing residential development to Warrior, along with sanitary sewer service, improved parks and better police and fire protection. She regretted not being able to secure more commercial development for the city. Warrior's efforts to collect sales taxes from areas of Blount County in its police jurisdiction led to a boycott of the city's few retail businesses.
She served as president and vice president of the Jefferson County Mayors Association and served two terms on the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee.
Hudson died in March 2017 after suffering a heart attack. She was survived by her daughter, Jackie Hudson Wesson, who serves as Mayor Pro Tem on the Warrior City Council.
| Preceded by: Jean Gayle |
Mayor of Warrior 1984–2000 |
Succeeded by: Jerry Cochran |
| Preceded by: Jerry Cochran |
Mayor of Warrior 2004–2012 |
Succeeded by: Johnny Ragland |
References
- Carter, Robert (April 3, 2012) "Warrior mayor Rena Hudson won't seek re-election." North Jefferson News
- Osburn, Lisa (May 4, 2012) "Rena Hudson to retire after 24 years as Warrior mayor." The Birmingham News
- Dunigan, Jonece Starr (March 16, 2017) "Warrior's first female mayor dies after heart attack." The Birmingham News