A FORMER Kidderminster school teacher who celebrated her 100th birthday in May has died.

Phyllis Hudson, nee Stoker, died on Thursday, July 3, from a heart problem.

Born in Yorkshire on May 4, 1914, Mrs Hudson graduated from Manchester University in 1936 with a degree in classics before moving to Kidderminster in 1947 to teach classics at at Kidderminster High School for Girls.

She taught at the school for a number of years, later becoming the head of religious education, before leaving in 1973.

Anne Nailer, a close friend of Mrs Hudson, said: “Phyllis will be missed by a great many at the school as she maintained close contacts with her former pupils.”

As an active member of St John's the Baptist Church in Kidderminster, Mrs Hudson sang in the choir, was secretary on its missionary committee and led many Bible study classes.

She had a lifelong passion for music, playing the cello and piano, as well as regularly attending concerts. Her last one was within a few weeks of her death.

In 1983 at the age of 69, she married Frederick Lyth Hudson, who was more commonly known as Will, and enjoyed 18 years together until his death in 2001.

On April 25 of this year, Mrs Hudson was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after she broke her hip falling off a mobility scooter.

She was transferred to a GP ward in Kidderminster Hospital, where she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mrs Hudson received a congratulatory birthday card from the Queen as well as a scroll from Wyre Forest district council leader Marcus Hart.

Beryl Bedford, former headteacher of the high school, said: “She was a determined lady, even in her later years.

“She was admirable and will be greatly missed by everyone.”