Kathy Jordan

Born on February 16, 1954, in Little Rock to Charles “Buddy” Hudgens and Martha Fulmer Hudgens, Kathy moved with her family at the age of eight to Hot Springs, the city she proudly called home for the rest of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her longtime love and life partner, Bill Provin.

Kathy attended Lakeside Schools, where she excelled academically. She proudly participated in Girl Scouts and was honored as a cheerleader in junior high and throughout high school. She was cheerleading captain and also homecoming queen in her 1972 senior year, along with her duties as ROTC sponsor. She continued her education at Southern Methodist University before transferring to the University of Arkansas. While at Arkansas, she was an active member of Chi Omega sorority and participated in ROTC’s Angel Flight.

After a brief time in wealth management administration, Kathy began working alongside her brother at Merrill Lynch in Little Rock as a financial advisor. She later returned to Hot Springs, where she became a founding member of the firm’s Hot Springs office. Over the course of a distinguished 40-year career, Kathy built lasting relationships with clients and colleagues, earning respect for her tremendous integrity, professionalism and sustained dedication to her clients’ wellbeing.

Kathy had a deep love for cooking and entertaining. She delighted in gathering friends and family around her table and creating memorable moments (all with a cooking utensil in one hand and a glass of wine in the other). Kathy also enjoyed frequenting local restaurants and Oaklawn Race Track. She had a keen eye for funky art, as proven by her cherished collection, and she also had a unique talent of creative gift-giving.

Throughout her life, her beloved furry companions—most recently rescue dogs Vino and Roadie—held a special place in her heart and were truly considered family.

She is survived by her brother Brad Hudgens (Stacy); her niece Dr. Allison Hudgens Dinehart (Matt) and great-niece Astrid; her nephew John Hudgens (Justina) and great-nephew John Thomas. She is also survived by her bonus-children Greg Provin and Michelle Provin Wilkins (Brad) and bonus-grandchildren Ryan Crumpton, Tanner Crumpton and Brennan Wilkins. Survivors also include her long-time devoted friends Jo Anne Rock Davis, Nancy Koonce, Missy Godwin (Damon) and Rhonda Dunavant (Harry). She also leaves behind many other cherished friends and coworkers whose lives were enriched by her kindness, loyalty, and vibrant spirit. All of Kathy’s friends were like family to her.

Special thanks to her caregiving team: Ashley Sinclair, Kim Gilliam, Paula Cheek, Melody Newkirk and Lisa McLelland, and to former “Team Kathy” members who helped her over the past year.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs on Monday, March 2nd at 1:00pm.

Memorials may be made to the Garland County Humane Society or to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs in memory of Kathy and in honor of Michelle Wilkins.

Kathy will be remembered for her warmth, strength, generosity, zestful embrace of life and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her.

The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.