Longtime Bradenton Resident Karen Jean Hudgens Dies at 71

Hudgens was remembered for her love of flowers, gardening, and sewing.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:38pm

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Karen Jean (Richison) Hudgens, a 71-year-old resident of Bradenton, Florida (formerly of Salem, Illinois), passed away on March 27, 2026, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. Hudgens was known for her passion for flowers, gardening, and upholstery work, as well as her 53-year marriage to her husband, Norman.

Why it matters

Hudgens' passing marks the loss of a longtime community member in Bradenton, Florida, where she had lived for many years after growing up in Salem, Illinois. Her life and interests highlight the importance of family, faith, and community involvement in the lives of many older adults.

The details

Hudgens was born on July 19, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to Arthur J. Richison and Norma Jean (Simmons) Richison. She married Norman Hudgens on April 29, 1973, at the First Christian Church in Salem, Illinois. Hudgens is survived by her husband, two sons, a brother, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

  • Hudgens passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • A memorial service was held at The Harvest Church in Bradenton, Florida, on March 29, 2026.
  • Graveside services will be held at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, Illinois, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2 pm.

The players

Karen Jean (Richison) Hudgens

A 71-year-old resident of Bradenton, Florida, who previously lived in Salem, Illinois. She was known for her love of flowers, gardening, and upholstery work, as well as her 53-year marriage to her husband, Norman.

Norman E. Hudgens

Karen Hudgens' husband of 53 years.

Arthur J. Richison

Karen Hudgens' father.

Norma Jean (Simmons) Richison

Karen Hudgens' mother.

Charles Richison

Karen Hudgens' brother.

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What’s next

Graveside services will be held at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, Illinois, on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at 2 pm for family and friends.

The takeaway

Hudgens' life and interests highlight the importance of family, faith, and community involvement, especially for older adults. Her passing is a loss for the Bradenton community where she had lived for many years.