Elaine Hudgens Evans

Elaine Hudgens Evans, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, passed away at the age of 86 on January 5, 2026 following a brief illness at home. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Affectionately known as Laney, she was given that name when she became a grandmother. For family, friends, and acquaintances, Laney brought love, laughter and joy into their lives. Laney had never met a stranger often turning quick trips to the grocery store to hour long adventures where she would meet a new friend. She was an extraordinary and special lady, with a smile that lit up the room and a warm, friendly spirit that drew people to her. Truly, to know her was to love her.

Elaine was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Montgomery. She loved her Sunday School class and her relationship with this group of ladies strengthened her Christian faith. Elaine also loved being a member of the Magnolia Garden Club where she developed many lifelong friends. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Crimson Tide, where she never missed watching an Alabama football game and often attended softball games in Tuscaloosa. Surprisingly, every Saturday morning during football season she would watch College Game Day and loved listening to Coach Nick Saben. She talked with Carl Jr. every football Saturday to determine which college games to watch and get his thoughts on the Bama game. Alabama victories brought her great joy.

The greatest joy of her life was when she married Carl Evans on June 17, 1960. They were married for 44 years before he passed in 2004. Elaine and Carl were blessed with two sons, Carl Jr. and Scott. Truly, she is rejoicing in her new heavenly home as she is reunited with the love of her life that she so dearly missed.

Elaine is survived by her two sons, Carl L. Evans Jr., and Jonathan Scott Evans; granddaughter Mary Douglass Evans; grandson Carl Hulsey Evans; brothers Nollie Edge Hudgens and Donald Scott Hudgens; and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Judge Carl L. Evans; parents Lenox Fred Hudgens and Arnelia Edge Hudgens; sisters Ann Hudgens Clark and Tommie Hudgens Smith; and brothers Lenox Bartlet Hudgens and Reedy Thomas Hudgens.

The last months of Elaine's life have been enriched by her caregivers. We are so thankful for their kindness, thoughtfulness and attentive care. To Doranda Sankey, Catrina Powers, and Joan Hayes, our family will be forever grateful.

A Family and Friends Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Stakely Chapel, located at 305 S Perry St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, on January 10, 2026, starting at 1:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the same location at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, 909 Lincoln Rd., Montgomery, AL 36109.

Pallbearers are Carl Hulsey Evans, Ethan Tisdell, Cody Worthy, Will McKenzie, David Whetstone Thames, and Ellis Terry.