Obituary: Sylvester "SV" Hudson

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Sylvester "SV" Hudson

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Sylvester "SV" Hudson, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2026, at Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet, Illinois, just days before his 95th birthday. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, mentor, and friend whose life was defined by service, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Sylvester was born on July 27, 1931, in Charleston, Mississippi, to Willie Clarence (Hodges) Carswell and Ivory Hudson. He was the only child born to their union and the eldest grandchild on both the Hodges and Hudson sides of the family.

He spent his early childhood in Indianola, Mississippi, in the loving care of his maternal grandparents, Sally and Sylvester Hodges, until the age of ten, when he moved to Chicago, Illinois, with his mother and stepfather, Robert Carswell.

Sylvester graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1951 and soon enlisted in the United States Air Force. During a distinguished military career spanning more than two decades, he faithfully served his country and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1971. His military service reflected the discipline, integrity, and selfless commitment that would characterize every chapter of his life.

On August 12, 1962, Sylvester married the love of his life, Carolyn Elizabeth Williams. Together they built a loving home and shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until Carolyn's passing in 2018. Their marriage was rooted in faith, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion, creating a legacy of love that continues through their children and grandchildren.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Sylvester began a second career with the Chicago Foundation of Medicare, where he worked in social services. In this role, he continued his lifelong commitment to serving others by helping individuals and families access the care and resources they needed. His compassion, patience, and genuine concern for people made him a trusted advocate and a source of comfort to those he served.

During these years, Sylvester was also a devoted father to his five children—Beverley Ann, Melika Tonette, Syneathia Lynne, Yhana Maria, and Bradley Ivory. He embraced fatherhood with unwavering love and dedication, making his family his highest priority. He coached his children's soccer, bowling, and travel fast-pitch softball teams, creating lasting memories while teaching teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.

After retiring from the Chicago Foundation of Medicare, Sylvester began yet another chapter of service by becoming a school bus driver with First Student Transportation. He took great pride in safely transporting children each day, understanding the trust families placed in him. He remained with First Student until retiring for good in 2002, concluding a remarkable career that spanned military service, social services, and education transportation—each role reflecting his steadfast commitment to caring for others.

Sylvester believed in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. He enjoyed walking, bowling, and playing softball, and he encouraged others to remain active throughout their lives. Throughout his neighborhood, he was affectionately regarded as a father figure, serving as a positive male role model to countless young people. His caring spirit extended well beyond his immediate family, as he lovingly helped raise his godson, Joktan Josiah Carr, who proudly regarded Sylvester as his father.

A man of faith, service, and fellowship, Sylvester was a respected member of the Order of the Western Star and the Free and Accepted Masons. As a member of Jeptha Chapter No. 84 of La Grange, Illinois, he faithfully served as Worthshipful Master and Treasurer for many years. His leadership, dependability, and willingness to serve earned him the admiration and respect of his fellow members.

Sylvester was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching virtually every sporting event imaginable. His youngest daughter often joked that if watching paint dry were considered a sport, he would happily watch that too. In quieter moments, he found great satisfaction in working puzzles and listening to the extensive record collection he had carefully built over the years.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a devoted grandfather who played an active role in helping raise his granddaughter, Kendall Lynelle Hamilton, and his grandson, Chase Scott Lewis. He also treasured the special bond he shared with his grandsons, Brendan Miles LaGrant and Marcus Bakari LaGrant, creating memories and imparting life lessons they will carry with them forever.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Elizabeth Hudson; his daughter, Beverley Ann Hudson; his mother, Willie Clarence Carswell; his stepfather, Robert Carswell; his father, Ivory Hudson; his stepmother, Hattie Hudson; his mother-in-law, Georgia Ann (Brown) Williams; his stepfather-in-law, Aaron Patterson; his father-in-law, James Franklin Williams; and his brothers-in-law, James Edward Williams, Sr., and Todd Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Melika Tonette Gray (Kevin Gray), Syneathia Lynne LaGrant (Robert LaGrant), Yhana Maria Lewis, and Bradley Ivory Hudson; his beloved grandchildren, Brendan Miles LaGrant, Marcus Bakari LaGrant, Kendall Lynelle Hamilton, and Chase Scott Lewis; his cherished siblings-in-law, whom he considered his own brothers and sisters, George "Billy" Washington (Maria Washington), Sandra Williams, Kathleen Williams, and Delphine Williams; his beloved godson, Joktan Josiah Carr; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and steadfast love.

Sylvester's legacy is one of quiet strength, faithful service, and unconditional love. Whether serving his country, advocating for others through social services, ensuring the safe transportation of schoolchildren, raising his family, mentoring young people, or simply extending a helping hand to someone in need, he lived each day with integrity, compassion, humility, and grace. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation for Sylvester "SV" Hudson will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL, 60431, from 9:30 a.m., until the time of funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

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