Kathryn Johnson Hudgens, 101, a long-time resident of Opp, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Born on September 26, 1924, in Curtis, Alabama, to George and Thomas Lilly Johnson, Kathryn lived over a century marked by quiet strength, unwavering devotion to family, and a gentle spirit that touched everyone around her. She was married to her loving husband, John, for 76 years.

She enjoyed a distinguished career as a Civil Service employee, retiring from Fort Rucker in Enterprise, Alabama, where her dedication and professionalism left a lasting impression. In her leisure time, Kathryn found joy in simple pleasures like tending the garden and cooking homegrown vegetables that drew the family together around her table. She also loved to play dominoes and was fiercely competitive whenever the tiles hit the table. Her sharp wit could turn every game into an entertaining family event.

She is cherished and survived by her grandchildren, Kathy (Jerry) Hollingsworth, Karen (Lance) Lee, and Mark (Jan) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Joshua (Alyssa) Hollingsworth, Morgan (Zach) Frawley, Justin (Kelsey) Hollingsworth, Maegan (Jake) Allen, Meredith Taylor, and Claire Taylor; and great-great-grandchildren, Easton Allen, Hudson Frawley, Grayson Allen, Mason Frawley, Jace Hollingsworth, Eleanor Kathryn Allen, and John Hollingsworth. She also leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry her memory forward.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, George and Thomas Lilly Johnson; husband, John Thomas Hudgens; son, John Wayne Hudgens; daughter, Eleanor Taylor Ezell; and sisters, Mildred J. Leonard and Betty J. Adams.

In a life that spanned generations, Kathryn's legacy lives on in the love she gave, the stories she shared, and the family she held close. Her warmth, wisdom, and grace will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services for Kathryn Johnson Hudgens will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025 from Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Brooklyn Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Jerry Hollingsworth, Lance Lee, Josh Hollingsworth, Justin Hollingsworth, Zach Frawley and Jake Allen will be serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Brooklyn Cemetery Fund.