Jeanette Hudson Wadkins

Jeanette Hudson Wadkins, 87, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Hospitality House in Iuka. Born March 12, 1939, in Iuka, MS, She attended Iuka High School where she was a talented basketball player and graduated with the Class of 1957. She spent two years at Northeast Mississippi Junior College and then completed her bachelor’s degree at Florence Teachers College (UNA). In 1976 she received her master’s degree in education from Mississippi State University. Jeanette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a member of the Iuka Baptist Church, and was married to the love of her life, Mack Loyd Wadkins, for 62 years. They raised three children together in Iuka, where they lived for most of their lives.

Jeanette taught elementary school and retired following 33 years of service. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Iuka Elementary School where she became close friends with the other 4th grade teachers, Jean Barlow, Wanda Evans, and Beverly Jourdan. They enjoyed spending time together outside of school by celebrating birthdays, eating out, taking trips, and shopping for their many collectibles. They shared a lot of stories and laughs together.

Jeanette loved reading, traveling, cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, and spending time with her family. She was proud of her three children and poured herself into her grandchildren. She was also close to her baby sister, Sandra, who she talked to daily on the phone. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Randy Wadkins, Ronald Wadkins, and Risa Wadkins Smith (Alan); a sister, Sandra Hudson Hackman; five grandchildren, Kayla Tull, Rebecca Nigliazzo, Veronica Reed, Alli Claire Hisaw, and Cole Wadkins; and five great-grandchildren, Kurt Burcham, Kamden Tull, Jorden Nigliazzo, Shyleigh Nigliazzo, and Sophia Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Loyd Wadkins; her parents, Milton Floyd and Nancy Woodruff Hudson; and a brother, Milton Wayne Hudson.

Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for 1:00 until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at Cutshall Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Bro. Jerry Bonds. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Harold Lomenick, Jerry Hudson, Danny Hudson, Barney Hudson, Neil Hudson, Todd Berry, Ryan Finney, Kurt Burcham, and Layne Harris. Honorary pallbearers include the Iuka High School Class of 1957. An online guest book can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.