Essie Lou Buckmaster Hudson, 94, passed away Thursday February 20, 2025.  She was born August 28, 1930, the youngest daughter of W. H. Peters and Zoe Maude (Martin) Peters.  She graduated from Senior High School in 1948.

Essie married James Buckmaster on June 16, 1950.  To this union was born one daughter.   They were lifelong residents of Springfield, except a brief residency in Des Moines, Iowa while Jim served active duty in the U.S. Air Force.  Essie worked for many years for the Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield.

Jim passed away in July 1993 and Essie spent her early retirement years traveling across much of the United States on bus trips.  She was an active member of the Doling Senior Center and volunteered with St. Johns Seniors Program.  She made many friends during these years, including Milton Hudson.

Essie and Milton were married October 15, 2005.  She and Milton enjoyed spending time camping in their RV at the lake, visiting with friends.  They were married 13 years until Milton’s death in 2019.

Essie enjoyed good health and lived independently in her own home, including driving her own car to her weekly hair appointment until a recent fall resulted in a broken hip which necessitated more focused nursing care.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and sisters Lillian Peters, Helen Gardner, and Pearl Robertson.

Essie is survived by her daughter Pamela Phillips (Harold); her grandson, Dr. James Lee Phillips (Monica) and her four great grandchildren; Kaylee, Luke, Madilynn and Emily Phillips as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place on Friday February 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery on North National in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Convoy of Hope.