Mary Alice Burleson Hudgins, age 68, of the South Toe Community, passed away on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, surrounded by her family and the love she so freely gave them throughout her life. A native of McDowell County, she was the daughter of Fred and Pansy Hollifield Burleson. She was preceded in death as well by two brothers: Freddie Burleson, Jr. and infant, Bobbie Gene Burleson.
A devoted wife, beloved family member, and cherished friend, Mary Alice and her husband, Roscoe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year – a milestone that reflected the deep bond they had always shared. To Mary Alice, Roscoe was the perfect husband; to Roscoe, she was the heart of their home and the center of his world. She valued hard work, and retired from Baxter Laboratories after nearly 45 years of dedicated service. Mary Alice was of the Baptist faith and attended South Estatoe Baptist Church for many years, and her faith always guided her through life.
Mary Alice was known far and wide as an absolutely amazing cook. Her kitchen was a place of countless home-cooked meals shared with family and friends. Along with cooking, she loved taking pictures – capturing moments, faces, and memories that she carefully organized into box after box over the years, documenting the people and places she held dear. One of her greatest passions was shopping trips with her sisters-in-law and friends. If there was a Belk anywhere she traveled, she was bound to find something she loved. But most of all, family was everything to her. She cherished the time she spent with both her and Roscoe’s families, every holiday and get-together.
Her loved ones who remain to honor her life include her cherished husband of 50 years, Roscoe Hudgins; a brother, Benny Burleson, and wife, Becky of Nebo, and several cherishes nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, aunt and uncle, and too many special friends to count that she loved so dearly. Mary Alice will be remembered for her kindness, love for her family, and the beautiful way she preserved all of life’s moments through her photographs. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion and love that will be carried in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, November 21st in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Matt Hopson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12 noon prior to the services.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Baptists on Mission.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
