Karen Jean (Richison) Hudgens (71) of Bradenton, FL (formerly of Salem, IL) passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2026, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, FL.
Karen was born on July 19, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to parents Arthur J. Richison and Norma Jean (Simmons) Richison. She married Norman Hudgens on April 29, 1973, at the First Christian Church in Salem, IL.
Karen loved working with flowers, gardening, and reading. She had an upholstery business, as she really loved mending and sewing. Karen “put up with” Norman for 53 years of marriage. Karen had a quirky sense of humor, which aided in her life with Norm. She loved spending time with her family, as it truly filled her heart with joy. Her faith was a very important part of her life. She is remembered as “the sweetest” and “the kindest.”
She is survived by her husband, Norman E. Hudgens, her sons, David Val Hudgens (wife Stephanie) of IL, and Joel Arthur Hudgens (wife Rachael) of NC, and her brother, Charles Richison (wife Bobbie) of Kansas. Karen has 4 grandchildren: Joel Blade Hudgens (wife, Savannah) of CO, Ashley Marie Hudgens of IL, Morghan Eldridge (fiancé, Jon) of NC, and Christopher Hudgens of IL. She also has 2 great-grandchildren: Carter and Ophelia Rose Hudgens of CO.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brother: Kevin Mark Richison and Wayne Allen Richison.
Close family and friends celebrated Karen’s life at a memorial service at The Harvest Church in Bradenton, FL, on March 29th, 2026. Graveside services will be held at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, IL, on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at 2 pm for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations can be sent to: Hughey Funeral Home, 1314 Main St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
