Sara Elizabeth (Cloninger) Hudson

She was born on April 11, 1930, to the late Loy Odell Cloninger and Estella Brooks in Catawba County. Sara worked for over 30 years before her retirement, as a Secretary at Frye Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Room Department. She was deeply devoted to her family and loved the Lord. Her love for her family was a cornerstone of her existence. In her personal time, Sara found joy in the beauty of nature, particularly in her love for birds. This passion brought her peace and happiness throughout her life.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sara Jean Davis; grandson, Scott Coffey; brother, Charles Littnan; sisters, Shandon Littnan, Muriel Miller, Jean Abernethy and Theresa Stewart and son-in-law, Gene Coffey.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Lanny Loyd Bumgarner (Teresa) of Hickory, daughters; Teresa B. Smith (Earl “Butch”) of Boiling Springs, SC, Kerri B. Coffey of Hickory, grandchildren; Scott Smith of Inman, SC, Kristin Smith Suite (Dexter) of Spartanburg, SC, Shannon Lynn Burrus (Tyron) of Hickory, Brandi Coffey Williams (Richard “Monty”) of Hickory, Heather Bumgarner Moore of Gastonia, Megan Bumgarner of Hickory; great grandchildren, Hopelyn Burrus, Caitlyn Williams, Kristian Williams, Harrison Smith, Abby Grace Smith, Bryce Reynolds, Kyra Coffey, Camryn Moore, Carrigan Moore, Keaton Moore, Riley Coffey, Spencer Coffey; nephew, David Abernethy (Linda) of Hickory; and grand dog, Ziggy.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Abernethy Laurels, Hope Court, for the care and compassion they provided to Sara.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Lifepoint Church Hickory. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the church. Bishop Matthew Prince will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyron Burrus, Richard “Monty” Williams, Kristian Williams, Scott Smith, Ryan Young, and David Abernethy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lifepoint Church- Hickory, “More Campaign”, 2123 5th Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601.