Delores Reddin

Ms. Delores Hudson Reddin was born on July 6, 1935, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the second of ten children born to Zula Tigue Hudson and John Hudson, Sr. She was raised on the West Side of Chicago, where she would spend her life building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and community. She attended Medill Elementary School and graduated from Lucy Flower High School, forming lifelong bonds and a strong sense of responsibility to those around her. On December 12, 1951, she was united in holy matrimony to Otis Reddin, Sr. From this loving union four children were born: Otis, Dexter (who preceded her in death), Valena LaGail, and Demetrich LaRay. Delores was a woman of diligence and purpose. She began her professional career at Pathfinders, where she quickly advanced to the position of Supervisor. Even after retirement, Delores remained active, later working in several part-time roles, including as an accounting clerk for an accounting firm. Her commitment to community was just as strong. She was actively engaged in civic life, attending NAACP meetings alongside her dear friend Connie Reden; always believing that faith and action go hand in hand. To the family, Delores was the heart of everything. Lovingly known as the “Baby Whisperer,” she had a special gift with children and was a second mother to her nieces, nephews, and many of her children’s friends. Iwonna Hampton, Valena’s childhood friend (and Bestie), became the second daughter she never had. From learning to ride a bike for the first time to reconnecting with cousins, her house was a gathering place where children played in the driveway, laughed in the yard, and made lifelong memories. Her creativity was another expression of love. An exceptional knitter and seamstress, Delores created sweaters, scarves, and even stunning prom dresses; pieces that will be treasured for generations. She also had a deep and abiding love for animals, especially her beloved dogs: Hershey, Eastwood, Daisy Mae, and Marley; they were family in every sense of the word. She also loved and cherished many family dogs over the years including Copper, Archie, Labbie, Nipples the cat, Bear, Cody, Wink-Wink, Trey, Boseman, Duke, and her grand-dog Ivey. Her compassion extended to all of God’s creatures! Some of the most cherished memories of Delores were found around her table and at her house. She found great joy in hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve gatherings, bringing family together with love, warmth, and laughter. Those moments full of food, stories, and connection, were her ministry in action. But her greatest pride and deepest love were her children. Delores loved the Lord with all her heart. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful and dedicated member of Monument of Faith Church, under the leadership of Dr. Richard D. Henton, where she served for many years on the Gideon’s Spiritual Army and the Nursing Board. Delores loved Jesus! Again, Delores loved Jesus! If you ever called her, you already knew how the conversation would begin. Before hello, before your name, before the reason for the call, you would hear her familiar greeting: “Bless the Lord.” Her favorite expressions, “Jesus is my doctor” and “Thank God for Jesus,” will forever live in our hearts. Her faith was not something she simply believed; it was something she lived. One of her favorite sayings, “Thank God for Jesus,” was not a phrase she used lightly. It was a testimony. Her faith was steady, joyful, and unwavering, and it shaped every part of who she was. Delores was called to her eternal home on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Hudson, Sr. and Zula Tigue Hudson, her husband, Otis Reddin, Sr., and her son, Dexter Reddin; five siblings; brothers’ John, Leon (Maxine), William, Michael, and sister Yvonne Thomas. Delores was the matriarch of her family — a loving, supportive and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. Her legacy lives on through her children: Otis Reddin, Jr., Demetrich LaRay Reddin (Crystal), and Valena Reddin-Cade; her granddaughter, Sade’ Cade; her brothers, Randolph Hudson (Sarah) and Kurt Hudson, Sr.; her brother-in-law Bobby Thomas; her sisters, Gwendolyn Burks (late James Burks, Jr.); Vicki Hudson-Couch (late James Couch, Jr.); her sister-in-law Annie Mae McCullough. Her legacy continues through her nieces Carla Wicks (Tony), Crystal Thomas, Kanika Hudson, Tracy Wells, Patricia Payne and Tracey McCullough, nephews Michael Leon Hudson (Cynthia), John McCullough, Lance Thomas (Krystal), Roderick Hudson (Trina) Kurt Hudson ll (Frankie), James Burks III (Lillian), John Hudson, Jr., James Couch III (Maya) and Solomon. Delores was blessed with 13 great nephews, 6 great-great nephews, 17 great nieces, 3 great-great nieces, 10 cousins, and many dear friends. She will be deeply missed, and her loving spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her

Delores Reddin

July 6, 1935 - February 22, 2026