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'''Sarah Rachel Hudson-Pierce''' (born February 22, 1948) is an author of inspirational books, a [[publisher]], a [[journalist]], and a former cable television host in [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] in Caddo Parish in northwestern [[Louisiana]].

'''Sarah Rachel Hudson-Pierce''' (born February 22, 1948) is an author of inspirational books, a [[publisher]], a [[journalist]], and a former cable television host in [[Shreveport]] in Caddo Parish in northwestern [[Louisiana]].

==Early years==

==Early years==

She was born to Roy Earnest Hudson (1895–1958) and the former Marcella May Morris (1906–1986) near Sulphur Springs in Benton County in northwestern [[Arkansas]]. Her girlhood home, still in existence, was a house constructed in the 1840s.

She was born to Roy Earnest Hudson (1895–1958) and the former Marcella May Morris (1906–1986) near Sulphur Springs in Benton County in northwestern [[Arkansas]]. Her girlhood home, still in existence, was a house constructed in the 1840s.

genealogy

genealogy

Sarah's mother, Marcella, was born in an underground [[American Indian]] sod dwelling near tiny Fairvalley in Woods County in north central [[Oklahoma]]. Marcella's grandparents, William Henry Morris (1833-1901) and the former Mary J. Barter (born 1838), had been among the pioneers who staked out 160 acres in the Oklahoma Land Rush. W. H. Morris was born Monmouth County, [[New Jersey]]. Prior to the [[American Civil War]], he came to Linn County, [[Iowa]], where in 1855, he married the 16-year-old Mary Barter. He then attended medical school in Keokuk, Iowa, having completed his instruction in 1864. The couple later moved to Oklahoma; three years after his death, Mary B. Morris was still living in Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma.

 

 

 

Sarah's mother, Marcella, was born in an underground [[American Indian]] sod dwelling near tiny Fairvalley in Woods County in north central [[Oklahoma]]. Marcella's grandparents, William Henry Morris (1833-1901) and the former Mary J. Barter (born 1838), had been among the pioneers who staked out 160 acres in the Oklahoma Land Rush. W. H. Morris was born in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Prior to the [[American Civil War]], he came to Linn County, [[Iowa]], where in 1855, he married the 16-year-old Mary Barter. He then attended medical school in Keokuk, Iowa, having completed his instruction in 1864. The couple later moved to Oklahoma; three years after his death, Mary B. Morris was still living in Alva in Woods County.

Hudson-Pierce traces her ancestry in the future United States to [[Lewis Morris (governor)|Lewis Morris]] (1671-1746), the [[Great Britain|British]] governor of New Jersey from 1738 until his death. Previously Lewis Morris had been royal governor of the New York colony, which included New Jersey prior to the separation in 1738. This Lewis Morris' grandson, also [[Lewis Morris]] (1719-1798), was a landowner and developer who in 1776 signed the [[Declaration of Independence]] as a representative at the [[Second Continental Congress]] from [[New York (state)|New York]]. Lewis Morris was a half-brother of [[Gouverneur Morris]] (1752-1816), the [[New York City]] native who was editor-in-chief of the [[United States Constitution]] and author of its [[Preamble to the U.S. Constitution|preamble]].

Hudson-Pierce traces her ancestry in the future United States to [[Lewis Morris (governor)|Lewis Morris]] (1671-1746), the [[Great Britain|British]] governor of New Jersey from 1738 until his death. Previously Lewis Morris had been royal governor of the New York colony, which included New Jersey prior to the separation in 1738. This Lewis Morris' grandson, also [[Lewis Morris]] (1719-1798), was a landowner and developer who in 1776 signed the [[Declaration of Independence]] as a representative at the [[Second Continental Congress]] from [[New York (state)|New York]]. Lewis Morris was a half-brother of [[Gouverneur Morris]] (1752-1816), the [[New York City]] native who was editor-in-chief of the [[United States Constitution]] and author of its [[Preamble to the U.S. Constitution|preamble]].

Roy Hudson died, and Sarah lived with Marcella for four years. Marcella subsisted by taking odd jobs but became unable to care for Sarah. Hence, at the age of fourteen, Sarah began living in the foster home of the late Cullen and Martha Adair of Grove in Delaware County in  northeastern Oklahoma. Sarah was later placed in an orphanage, the Turley Children's Home, now known as Hope Harbor, in [[Claremore, Oklahoma|Claremore]] near [[Tulsa]]. She resided at Turley from 1962 to 1966.

Roy Hudson died, and Sarah lived with Marcella for four years. Marcella subsisted by taking odd jobs but became unable to care for Sarah. Hence, at the age of fourteen, Sarah began living in the foster home of the late Cullen and Martha Adair of Grove in Delaware County in  northeastern Oklahoma. Sarah was later placed in an orphanage, the Turley Children's Home, now known as Hope Harbor, in [[Claremore, Oklahoma|Claremore]] near [[Tulsa]]. She resided at Turley from 1962 to 1966.

Hudson-Pierce graduated in 1966 from McLain High School in Tulsa. Marcella lived for another three decades, having died in the nursing home in Grove. While she was in the eleventh grade at McLain, Sarah turned to creative writing and public speaking. From 1966 to 1967, she attended the [[conservative]] [[Church of Christ]]-affiliated [[Harding University]] (then College) in Searcy in White County, north of the capital city of [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]].<ref>"Dedication to writing brings success", [[Harding College]] ''Alumni News'', Spring 1998.</ref>

Hudson-Pierce graduated in 1966 from McLain High School in Tulsa. Marcella lived for another three decades, having died in the nursing home in Grove. While she was in the eleventh grade at McLain, Sarah turned to creative writing and public speaking. From 1966 to 1967, she attended the [[conservative]] [[Church of Christ]]-affiliated [[Harding University]] (then College) in Searcy in White County, north of the capital city of [[Little Rock]].<ref>"Dedication to writing brings success", [[Harding College]] ''Alumni News'', Spring 1998.</ref>

==Author==

==Author==

''To Soar Again!'' (1994)

''To Soar Again!'' (1994)

Two others are inspirational pieces:

The other two are inspirational pieces:

''Southern Vignettes'' (1995)<ref>Lenora Nazworth, "Women's Days Marked with Celebration and Challenge", ''The Shreveport Times'', March 8, 2002.</ref><br>

''Southern Vignettes'' (1995)<ref>Lenora Nazworth, "Women's Days Marked with Celebration and Challenge", ''The Shreveport Times'', March 8, 2002.</ref><br>

''Turning Points'' (1996), semi-autobiographical.

''Turning Points'' (1996), semi-autobiographical.

One of Hudson-Pierce's articles, "The Old Steamer Trunk", was published in ''Guideposts'' magazine in January 1998.{{cn|date=August 2017}} Richard "Dick" Schneider, a senior staff editor at ''Guideposts'', said that Hudson-Pierce's selection was particularly poignant and fitting for the publication. Stories about the article were written in numerous newspapers.<ref>Dave Morris, Sr., Review of "The Old Steamer Trunk", ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'', Cedar Rapids, [[Iowa]], March 1998.</ref><ref>Tim Morris, Review of "The Old Steamer Trunk" in ''Guideposts'', Morganville, [[New Jersey]] ''News Transcript'', March 27, 1998.</ref>

One of Hudson-Pierce's articles, "The Old Steamer Trunk", was published in ''Guideposts'' magazine in January 1998. Richard "Dick" Schneider, a senior staff editor at ''Guideposts'', said that Hudson-Pierce's selection was particularly poignant and fitting for the publication. Stories about the article were written in numerous newspapers.<ref>Dave Morris, Sr., Review of "The Old Steamer Trunk", ''Cedar Rapids Gazette'', Cedar Rapids, [[Iowa]], March 1998.</ref><ref>Tim Morris, Review of "The Old Steamer Trunk" in ''Guideposts'', Morganville, [[New Jersey]] ''News Transcript'', March 27, 1998.</ref>

From 1995-2008, Hudson-Pierce hosted her own television program in Shreveport through [[Time Warner]]. She interviewed artists, authors, political figures, or anyone else of interest.{{cn|date=August 2017}} She writes an occasional column for the ''The Shreveport Times'', one of which is on the difficulties of moving.<ref>Sarah Hudson-Pierce, "Moves are a physical hassle, emotional drain," ''The Shreveport Times'', May 26, 2007</ref> Another is her autobiographical recollection of Christmas 1957.<ref>Sarah Hudson Pierce, "My greatest Christmas gift," ''Shreveport Times'', December 23, 2010.</ref> She has also written for the ''Bossier Tribune'' newspaper in [[Bossier City, Louisiana|Bossier City]].

From 1995-2008, Hudson-Pierce hosted her own television program in Shreveport through [[Time Warner]]. She interviewed artists, authors, political figures, or anyone else of interest. She writes an occasional column for the ''The Shreveport Times'', one of which is on the difficulties of moving.<ref>Sarah Hudson-Pierce, "Moves are a physical hassle, emotional drain," ''The Shreveport Times'', May 26, 2007</ref> Another is her autobiographical recollection of Christmas 1957.<ref>Sarah Hudson Pierce, "My greatest Christmas gift," ''The  Times'', December 23, 2010.</ref> She has also written for the ''Bossier Tribune'' newspaper in [[Bossier City]]. Louisiana.

==Ritz Publications==

==Ritz Publications==

In 2002, Hudson-Pierce launched, on a shoestring budget, Ritz Publications, named for her maternal great grandfather Nicholas Ritz, who came to the United States in 1851 from [[Bern]], [[Switzerland]]. Her first selection was the rejuvenation of a rare [[out-of-print book]] titled ''Poems'' by Julia Pleasants Creswell, the great-grandmother of the late Shreveport Mayor James Creswell Gardner. Ritz also released two more of Julia Creswell's books: ''Athalie and Other Poems'' and ''Callamura''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ritzpublications.com/callamura.html|title=''Callamura''|publisher=ritzpublications.com|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Hudson-Pierce published two volumes of Jim Gardner's memoirs entitled ''Jim Gardner and Shreveport''. She also compiled in 2010 a tribute book to Gardner.<ref>''James Creswell Gardner: First Citizen of Shreveport'' (Shreveport: Ritz Publications, 2010), 250pp., {{ISBN|1-886032-11-4}}</ref>

In 2002, Hudson-Pierce launched, on a shoestring budget, Ritz Publications, named for her maternal great-randfather Nicholas Ritz, who came to the United States in 1851 from [[Bern]], [[Switzerland]]. Her first selection was the rejuvenation of an out-of-print book titled ''Poems'' by Julia Pleasants Creswell, the great-grandmother of the late Shreveport Mayor James Creswell Gardner. Ritz also released two more of Julia Creswell's books: ''Athalie and Other Poems'' and ''Callamura''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ritzpublications.com/callamura.html|title=''Callamura''|publisher=ritzpublications.com|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Hudson-Pierce published two volumes of Jim Gardner's memoirs entitled ''Jim Gardner and Shreveport''. She also compiled in 2010 a tribute book to Gardner.<ref>''James Creswell Gardner: First Citizen of Shreveport'' (Shreveport: Ritz Publications, 2010), 250pp., {{ISBN|1-886032-11-4}}</ref>

In 2002, Tanya Brasher Alexander, who resides near Shreveport, wrote a  biographical poem of Hudson-Pierce's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sarahhudsonpierce.net/its-me-sarah.html|title=Sarah Hudson-Pierce|publisher=sarahhudsonpierce.net|accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>

In 2002, Tanya Brasher Alexander, who resides near Shreveport, wrote a  biographical poem of Hudson-Pierce's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sarahhudsonpierce.net/its-me-sarah.html|title=Sarah Hudson-Pierce|publisher=sarahhudsonpierce.net|accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>

Successful Ritz books have included: ''Stone Justice'' (2001) by Debi King McMartin and Lyn Morgan, which details the tragic life of [[Toni Jo Henry]] of Shreveport, who on November 28, 1942, became the only woman ever to have been executed in Louisiana's [[electric chair]]. Henry's story has been compared to that of [[Karla Faye Tucker]] in [[Texas]], executed in 1998. The motion picture ''The Pardon'', filmed in Shreveport, is adapted from ''Stone Justice''.<ref>Alexandyr Kent, "'The Pardon', a locally produced feature, begins shooting May 15", ''The Shreveport Times'', April 28, 2007</ref>  

Successful Ritz books have included: ''Stone Justice'' (2001) by Debi King McMartin and Lyn Morgan, which details the tragic life of [[Toni Jo Henry]] of Shreveport, who on November 28, 1942, became the only woman ever to have been executed in Louisiana's [[electric chair]]. Henry's story has been compared to that of [[Karla Faye Tucker]] in [[Texas]], executed in 1998. The motion picture ''The Pardon'', filmed in Shreveport, is adapted from ''Stone Justice''.<ref>Alexandyr Kent, "'The Pardon', a locally produced feature, begins shooting May 15", ''The Shreveport Times'', April 28, 2007</ref>  

Still another Ritz publication, ''Will Somebody Call the Coroner?'', is an [[autobiography]] of Caddo Parish [[Coroner]] Dr. Willis P. Butler (1888–1963), with the preface by the late Shreveport historian [[Eric John Brock]].<ref>[[Eric John Brock]], Shreveport historian, ''The Forum'' magazine, November 10, 2004</ref><ref>Eric J. Brock obituary, ''Shreveport Times'', December 3, 2011</ref> Ritz Publications also offers [[Sarah Dorsey]]'s ''Recollections of [[Henry Watkins Allen]]'', an updated 2004 study of Louisiana's [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] governor. Dorsey owned the [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] estate [[Beauvoir (Biloxi, Mississippi)|Beauvoir]] and was a benefactor of Confederate President [[Jefferson Davis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beauvoir.org/complete.html#sdorsey|title=Beauvoir|publisher=beauvoir.org|accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>

Still another Ritz publication, ''Will Somebody Call the Coroner?'', is an [[autobiography]] of Caddo Parish [[Coroner]] Dr. Willis P. Butler (1888–1963), with the preface by the late Shreveport historian [[Eric John Brock]].<ref>[[Eric John Brock]], Shreveport historian, ''The Forum'' magazine, November 10, 2004</ref><ref>Eric J. Brock obituary, ''Shreveport Times'', December 3, 2011</ref> Ritz Publications also offers Sarah Dorsey's ''Recollections of [[Henry Watkins Allen]]'', an updated 2004 study of Louisiana's [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] governor. Dorsey owned the [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] estate [[Beauvoir (Biloxi, Mississippi)|Beauvoir]] and was a benefactor of Confederate President [[Jefferson Davis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beauvoir.org/complete.html#sdorsey|title=Beauvoir|publisher=beauvoir.org|accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>

Another Ritz release is ''Tinkerbelle'', the story of [[Robert Manry]], a ''[[The Plain Dealer|Plain Dealer]]'' ([[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]) [[copy editor]] who in 1965 solo-navigated the smallest [[sailboat]] ever across the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]]. Ritz offers a rare book, ''Our Baby's History'' (1898), by the American artist [[Frances Brundage]], particularly known for her depictions of wide-eyed [[Victorian era|Victorian]] children.

Another Ritz release is ''Tinkerbelle'', the story of Robert Manry, a ''[[The Plain Dealer|Plain Dealer]]'' ([[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]) copy editor who in 1965 solo-navigated the smallest [[sailboat]] ever across the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]]. Ritz offers a rare book, ''Our Baby's History'' (1898), by the American artist Frances Brundage, particularly known for her depictions of wide-eyed [[Victorian era|Victorian]] children.

In 2009, Ritz published ''Jerry Wray: Pioneer Artist Of The South'' by Shreveport artist Jerry Wray. That same year, Ritz published ''Mama's Boys'', a novel by Matt Whitehead, a journalist and a former child protective services worker. Another 2009 publication is ''Investing Without A Net'' a collection of short vignettes by Shreveport author Larry LaBorde, the owner of a silver trading company and a local family-owned oil business.  

In 2009, Ritz published ''Jerry Wray: Pioneer Artist Of The South'' by Shreveport artist Jerry Wray. That same year, Ritz published ''Mama's Boys'', a novel by Matt Whitehead, a journalist and a former child protective services worker. Another 2009 publication is ''Investing Without A Net'' a collection of short vignettes by Shreveport author Larry LaBorde, the owner of a silver trading company and a local family-owned oil business.  

In 2010, Ritz published an autobiography of Virginia Shehee, the businesswoman from Shreveport who served in the Louisiana State from 1976 to 1980. The book has a coffee-table format with an introduction by former Mayor James Gardner, one of Shehee's classmates at Alexander Elementary School and C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. The book is titled ''Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee: First Lady of Shreveport.''<ref>Virginia Shehee, ''Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee: First Lady of Shreveport'' (Shreveport:  Ritz Publications, 2010), 250pp, isbn=1886032106</ref>

In 2010, Ritz published an autobiography of Virginia Shehee, the businesswoman from Shreveport who served in the Louisiana State from 1976 to 1980. The book has a coffee-table format with an introduction by former Mayor James Gardner, one of Shehee's classmates at Alexander Elementary School and C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. The book is titled ''Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee: First Lady of Shreveport.''<ref>Virginia Shehee, ''Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee: First Lady of Shreveport'' (Shreveport:  Ritz Publications, 2010), 250pp, isbn=1886032106</ref>

In 2012, Ritz published the autobiography of George Dement, the late mayor of [[Bossier City, Louisiana|Bossier City]], entitled ''George Dement: I will, If you will, Saith the Lord.'' The introduction is written by former Governor [[Edwin Edwards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ktbs.com/news/Former-Bossier-City-Mayor-holds-book-signing/-/144844/15439588/-/gu8y2x/-/index.html|title=Former Bossier City Mayor holds book signing, July 7, 2011|publisher=[[KTBS-TV]] ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in Shreveport)|accessdate=February 3, 2013}}</ref>

In 2012, Ritz published the autobiography of George Dement, the late mayor Bossier City, entitled ''George Dement: I will, If you will, Saith the Lord.'' The introduction is written by former Governor [[Edwin Edwards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ktbs.com/news/Former-Bossier-City-Mayor-holds-book-signing/-/144844/15439588/-/gu8y2x/-/index.html|title=Former Bossier City Mayor holds book signing, July 7, 2011|publisher=[[KTBS-TV]] ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in Shreveport)|accessdate=February 3, 2013}}</ref>

Ritz Publications is the publicist for the inspirational book, ''Valerie'', Jasmine Morelock-Field's biography of her daughter, Valerie Morelock, who was murdered in 1973 on the [[Louisiana State University]] campus in [[Baton Rouge]]. Morelock-Field turns a tragedy into a story of hope by placing all of her trust in God. She was interviewed in 2012 by Donna LaFleur on Louisiana Public Broadcasting's "Authors in Shreveport" feature at the Louisiana State Exhibit Building Museum.<ref>The link to the LaFleur interview of Jasmine Morelock-Field is http://media.lpb.org/LNWMK0447_iPod.mp4</ref> Jasmine Morelock-Field was also interviewed on Rick Rowe's ''Promise of Hope'' by [[KTBS-TV]], the [[American Broadcasting Company]] outlet in Shreveport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktbs.com/video/video/A-Promise-Of-Hope-01-06-2013/-/144384/18031650/-/eb5d9u/-/index.html|title=''A Promise of Hope''|publisher=KTBS-TV|accessdate=January 6, 2013}}</ref>

Ritz Publications is the publicist for the inspirational book, ''Valerie'', Jasmine Morelock-Field's biography of her daughter, Valerie Morelock, who was murdered in 1973 on the [[Louisiana State University]] campus in [[Baton Rouge]]. Morelock-Field turns a tragedy into a story of hope by placing all of her trust in God. She was interviewed in 2012 by Donna LaFleur on Louisiana Public Broadcasting's "Authors in Shreveport" feature at the Louisiana State Exhibit Building Museum.<ref>The link to the LaFleur interview of Jasmine Morelock-Field is http://media.lpb.org/LNWMK0447_iPod.mp4</ref> Jasmine Morelock-Field was also interviewed on Rick Rowe's ''Promise of Hope'' by [[KTBS-TV]], the [[American Broadcasting Company]] outlet in Shreveport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktbs.com/video/video/A-Promise-Of-Hope-01-06-2013/-/144384/18031650/-/eb5d9u/-/index.html|title=''A Promise of Hope''|publisher=KTBS-TV|accessdate=January 6, 2013}}</ref>

==Personal life==

==Personal life==

Sarah left college in 1967 to marry Charles Edwin Pierce (born 1941), a minister in the Church of Christ, originally from Falcon in Nevada County near Magnolia in south Arkansas. The couple has three children: Robin Lynette Pierce (born 1969) of Shreveport, Perry Loyce Pierce (born 1970) of [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], and Jeremy Winter Pierce (born 1976) of Searcy, Arkansas. There are two grandchildren. Hudson-Pierce has an older sister, Alice H. Roberts of Bastrop, [[Texas]].

Sarah left college in 1967 to marry Charles Edwin Pierce (born 1941), a minister in the Church of Christ, originally from Falcon in Nevada County near Magnolia in south Arkansas. The couple has three children: Robin Lynette Pierce (born 1969) of Shreveport, Perry Loyce Pierce (born 1970) of [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], and Jeremy Winter Pierce (born 1976) of Searcy, Arkansas. There are two grandchildren. Hudson-Pierce has an older sister, Alice H. Roberts of Bastrop, Texas.

Quoting [[M. Scott Peck]], [[psychiatrist]] and author of ''The Road Less Traveled'', Hudson-Pierce says that "Life is difficult. ... It is in the attaining of goals that we blossom and grow. ... I know that [[God]] is the source of my strength and that without Him, I am nothing. ..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mscottpeck.com/html/scott-peck.html|author=M. Scott Peck|title=The Road Less Traveled: New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth|location=[[New York City]]|publisher= Simon & Schuster|date=1978|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref>

Quoting [[M. Scott Peck]], [[psychiatrist]] and author of ''The Road Less Traveled'', Hudson-Pierce says that "Life is difficult. ... It is in the attaining of goals that we blossom and grow. ... I know that [[God]] is the source of my strength and that without Him, I am nothing. ..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mscottpeck.com/html/scott-peck.html|author=M. Scott Peck|title=The Road Less Traveled: New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth|location=[[New York City]]|publisher= Simon & Schuster|date=1978|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref>