Cathryn Carnes Hudson

December 18, 1940 – July 26, 2026

Some people leave behind a list of accomplishments. Others leave behind something much more meaningful—the love they gave, the lives they touched, and the memories that remain long after they are gone.

For those who knew and loved Cathryn “Cathy” Banks Carnes Hudson, her life was never measured by what she achieved, but by the people she loved, the kindness she showed, and the countless lives—both human and animal—that were better because she was here.

Cathy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, animal advocate, and a truly compassionate soul. She had a heart that always made room for one more person, one more animal, one more person who needed encouragement, or one more reason to show kindness.

Cathy had a special gift for making people feel seen. She noticed the things others sometimes missed. She remembered names, listened to stories, celebrated accomplishments, and offered comfort during difficult times. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines at her children’s sporting events, welcoming family and friends into her home, helping someone find a new career opportunity, rescuing a frightened Chihuahua, or simply offering a kind word, Cathy made people feel important.

She was born on December 18, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, to John Barnett Carnes and Mildred Rose Williams Carnes. Cathy carried the love, traditions, and values she learned from her family throughout her entire life. Though she experienced the loss of both of her parents—her father in 1970 and her mother in 2003—their influence remained a part of who she was.

Over the years, Cathy called several places home, including Memphis, Tennessee; Roswell, Georgia; Bolivar, Tennessee; and Westpoint, Tennessee. But wherever she lived, Cathy had a way of creating a sense of belonging. She built friendships, brought people together, and left a little more warmth behind wherever she went.

Cathy spent much of her professional life helping others find opportunities and build better futures through her work in job placement. She had a remarkable ability to see potential in people.

She could recognize someone’s strengths, encourage them to believe in themselves, and help connect them with opportunities that changed their lives. Many professionals, especially those in computer engineering fields, found meaningful careers because Cathy took the time to believe in them.

One of Cathy’s greatest loves was animals, especially the ones who had been forgotten or left behind. Her journey with rescue animals began with two little Chihuahuas, Chili and Hershey. They were not just pets to Cathy—they were family. Those two dogs inspired a lifelong passion that would become one of the greatest parts of her legacy.

While living in Bolivar, Cathy devoted countless hours volunteering with Hardeman Adoptable Animals (HAA). Her love and dedication led her to create the annual Hardeman County March of Dogs, a community event that brought people and pets together through parades, costume contests, vendors, food, music, car shows, and activities—all to help animals in need.

Cathy’s love for Chili and Hershey even inspired her writing. She created an advice column written from the perspective of her beloved dogs, allowing their personalities to shine as they answered readers’ questions with humor, kindness, and wisdom. Through those little voices, Cathy shared something that was always at the center of her life: compassion.

What started with two Chihuahuas became a mission that touched countless lives.

Her love for rescue animals continued until the very end. Nina, Cathy’s final rescue, stayed faithfully by her side during her last chapter. Their bond was something truly special. As Cathy and Nina both faced terminal cancer, they continued to give each other the same comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love they had shared for years.

Cathy also found joy in the simple things. She loved playing Bridge and formed many treasured friendships through Bridge groups in both Bolivar and Westpoint. She had a natural way of making people feel welcome, and many of those friendships became lifelong relationships.

She also loved exploring thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales. Cathy had a talent for finding hidden treasures—unique items, little gadgets, and thoughtful gifts that somehow always seemed perfect for the person she was buying them for. She loved the excitement of finding something special, but she loved giving it away even more.

To her family, Cathy’s home was lovingly known as “Maca’s Market.” It was more than just a house—it was a gathering place. It was where children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones knew they were always welcome. There was always something to eat, someone ready to listen, and a place to feel at home.

Cathy especially loved when her grandchildren came by to “fuel up.” Those ordinary moments became some of the most treasured memories. Whether she was making breakfast with her waffle maker or making homemade funnel cakes together, Cathy understood that the most meaningful moments were often the simplest ones. Around her kitchen table, food was never just food. It was love.

As a mother, Cathy was her children’s biggest supporter. She spent years sitting in the bleachers, proudly cheering them on through sporting events and celebrating their accomplishments. But her love did not stop when they grew up. Through every success, disappointment, challenge, and uncertain moment, Cathy remained their encourager and their safe place.

She believed in her children even when they struggled to believe in themselves. She reminded them of their strength and encouraged them to keep going. She also welcomed their friends with open arms, treating many of them like her own. To many people, Cathy became a second mother—the person whose home was always open and whose love was always available.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, John Barnett Carnes and Mildred Rose Williams Carnes, and her beloved husband, Marvin P. Hudson, known by family and friends as Ted.

Although Ted came into Cathy’s life after her children were grown, he became a cherished part of their family. Together, Cathy and Ted were lovingly known as Maca and Paca.

Cathy’s faith was also an important part of her life. Baptized Catholic, she carried the traditions and values of her faith throughout her journey. During her final season, she found renewed comfort and peace through her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Above everything else, Cathy loved her family. They were her greatest joy and her proudest blessing. She treasured every generation that followed her and celebrated each one with the same love and enthusiasm.

She is survived by her loving children and their families:

Jorge and Patricia Padial, and their family: Madison Padial and her children, Landon Plunk and Liam Wren; Meghan Padial and Michael Hickey; and Jorge Luis Padial III.

Kristin Carnes and Tammy Carnes.

Kathy and Ed Ceccacci, and their family: Stephanie Rehart and Tony Rehart, and their children, Amber Krupicka and Josh Wilson; Isaac Krupicka and Ashley Krupicka; Riley Krupicka; Brenna Krupicka; Piper Krupicka; Jaxon Rehart; and Ellianna Rehart.

David and Teresa Padial, and their family: Tyler Coates and Molly Coates, and their children, Lukas Michel and Liam Coates; Grey Padial; and Clayton Padial.

Robin and Michael Goza, and their family: Savannah Brents and Hunter Brents, and their children, Jamie and Charlie; Isabella Goza and Gavin Clark; Emma Goza; and Ava Goza.

She will also be deeply missed by the many friends who became family throughout her life, and by the countless animals whose lives were changed because Cathy cared.

Cathy’s legacy is not found only in the things she did—it is found in the way she made people feel.

She made people feel welcomed.

She made people feel believed in.

She made people feel loved.

Whether she was helping someone find a career, cheering from the bleachers, opening the doors of Maca’s Market, sharing a meal around her kitchen table, or giving a scared little dog a second chance, Cathy showed the world that kindness matters.

Some people leave behind accomplishments. Some leave behind memories.

Cathy left behind a lifetime of love.

To the world, she was Cathy.

To her family, she was Maca.

To countless Chihuahuas, she was their second chance.

Those who knew Cathy will remember not only what she did, but the way she made them feel—safe, valued, encouraged, and deeply loved.

Her love will continue through every person she touched and every life she saved.