Eddie Kane

Humble Beginnings….

Eddie Mae Kane was born on April 26, 1936 in Austin, Texas to the late Eddie and Birdie Mae Hudspeth.  She was the second of nine children.  At an early age, she learned to be a team player helping her mother with daily chores, running the household and taking care of her younger siblings. Taking on these responsibilities would serve as training ground for future career aspirations as an administrator and an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse).

Striking Out on Her Own…

She moved to Fort Worth, Texas; attended and was a graduate of IM Terrell High School Class of 1955. Later she would attend Huston-Tillison Collge. From there, she would lay the groundwork for solidifying her passion (nursing) by attending St. Phillips College in San Antonio, TX.  Upon graduating from St. Philips College, she worked in various hospitals and nursing homes honing her skills as an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse).

Marriage……..

Married Thomas Wright Jr., who was a teacher at St. Philips College, on October 3, 1959. Thomas Wright III is a product of that union.

Businesswoman Spearheads Movement…..

As an administrator for one of Austin’s first black family owned nursing homes (previously Hudspeth Nursing Home in the late 50s which later became Haywood’s Retirement Home in the late sixties), she succeeded her mother (owner of the business) Birdie Mae Haywood. Being the great granddaughter of Austin historical icon, Jacob Fontaine (of Jacob Fontaine Religious Museum fame on Comal Street in Austin) enhanced her visibility in the community. Haywood, Flowers, and Maggie Johnson were just a few of the nursing homes that stood on the vanguard of this unprecedented movement—businesses owned and operated by black women. Later, she would play a pivotal role in the establishment of Crescent Star Nursing Home in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas in 1976.

Faith Renewal…

In her later years, she renewed her commitment to Jesus Christ and played an active role in Freedom Temple Church (Austin, TX) as a Bible Teacher, choir member, and Master of Ceremonies for various church functions and outreach to the community.  Nursing still remained her passion.  She never tired of caring for the sick. And she inspired many young women to pursue that calling or forge their own path in business, or education.

World Traveler…..

After many years of hard work, she learned how to relax and enjoy the fruits of her labor. She assumed the role of world traveler trotting the globe with her surviving son, Thomas Wright, overseas to Israel, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt.

Departure…..

On Sunday night, October 3, 2021, at 11:45pm, Eddie Mae left this world to settle into her new home with King Jesus in the New Jerusalem and embark on new adventures in glory.  To cherish her memory, she leaves behind: son, Thomas Wright III, three sisters, Mary Kellum (James Ray), Dorothy Lovstad (Jim),   and Susie King (Lynn Howard ), and brother, Eddie  Tommy Cephas Hudspeth (Barbara), and many nieces and nephews.