Dottie L. Hudson's family moved three times while she was a child, first to Atlanta when she was age five, then to Tampa, Florida, and finally to New Orleans. Moving to different cities in the South allowed her to record her travels and experiences in a journal, an activity recommended by her father, Roland Q. Leavell. Her travels were not limited to the United States—her family also made trips to Europe, which were usually dictated by her father's job.
Hudson's retirement from counseling and teaching allowed her the time to research her father's life. She used primary sources from Roland's own diary and conducted interviews with Roland's close friends and former students. Leavell inspired people in his life with his teachings and own personal struggles, and Hudson wanted to give others the chance to experience the same spiritual inspiration that she gained during her research. Hudson's father was a role model to her and she has picked up where he left off, serving those in her community through her talents. He Still Stands Tall serves as a tribute to Roland Leavell, not only as the biography of an exceptional man, but also to the man Hudson knew as a father. This is her first book, and while she decided to write about her father because he offers rich religious wisdom and life lessons, she also wanted to give special insights into his life and personality.
Hudson is the youngest of three daughters born to Roland and Lilian Leavell. She graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She is also a certified teacher with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and a master's degree in counseling. While in Clinton, she met her future husband, Carl, who became a pastor and professor at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Hudson herself was involved in working with various churches and religious organizations as part of a Summit Counseling Ministry at the First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.
Hudson lives with her husband in Jackson, Mississippi, and has three grown children—all married—and six grandchildren. In her spare time, she continues to speak at retreats, youth group meetings, and seminars. She enjoys cooking, reading, swimming, and most importantly, spending time with her family.
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