Kathleen "Kay" Virginia Hudson

Kathleen “Kay” Virginia Hudson was born on August 16, 1916 in Lynchburg and lived, served, and died there on April 25, 2019 at the age of 102.  Kay loved her family, her many friends, her church, her community, and her bridge (she played duplicate bridge until well over 100). She graduated from E.C. Glass High School, attended Phillips Business College, and later studied mathematics and trigonometry at the University of Virginia Extension to advance her career. When World War II opened job opportunities for women, Kay was hired as the first woman in the distribution department at Appalachian Power Co. and worked there until she retired in 1980. She maintained a life-long connection with her “boys,” the linemen with whom she worked as dispatcher.

Kay was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to service to family, friends, and community. She was a founding member and on the board of the Piedmont Heart Association; president of the Lynchburg Pilot Club, a national organization for business and professional women; and a volunteer for the Red Cross, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels, among others. She was an active member of Memorial and Heritage Methodist Churches.

Kay is survived by her niece Linda Kay Hudson McGowan (John) of Atlanta; nephews-in-law Barry Robertson of Chocowinity, N.C., and Rick Schoonover of Auburn, Ala.;  two great-nieces; two great-nephews; three great-great nieces; and a great-great nephew.  Kay was preceded in death by her parents Charles E. and Lula Finch Hudson; her brother Lawrence Hudson (Illia) of Lynchburg; her sister Christine Hudson McNeill (Lloyd) of Birmingham, Ala.; two nieces Sharon Hudson Schoonover of Auburn and Laura Hudson Robertson of Chocowinity; and two nephews David and Charles McNeill of Birmingham.

The family would like to thank Carol Coston, Barbara Papit, and the staff of Summit Assisted Living, Lynchburg, for their loving care during Kay’s final years and Centra Hospice for their service.

The funeral service will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. A private family burial is planned at Fort Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kay Hudson to Heritage Methodist Church.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.