Mary Frances Killian

Mary Frances Hudson Killian, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She was 80 years old.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service in her honor at 11:00 a.m.

Mary was born in November 1944 in Anniston, Alabama, to Clarence Miller Hudson and Rena Inez Bobo Hudson of Oxford. She was one of the first babies delivered at the new Anniston Memorial Hospital. She grew up in Oxford and graduated from Oxford High School before attending Jacksonville State College.

Mary lived a life full of joy, purpose, and love. She was a devoted member of Mountain Chapel Methodist Church, where she was a long-time member of the Pioneer Sunday School class. Her faith, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone she met.

The joy of dance was a vibrant part of her life and found great joy in dancing. She was a proud member of numerous dance clubs including The Top Hats Ballroom Dance Club, Bee-Bop-Arounds Round Dance Club, J&R Rounds Dance Club, Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club, and the Rebel Reelers Square Dance Club.

Mary also had a flair for fashion and carried herself with grace and elegance. She cherished time with friends, playing bridge with the Highland Lakes Ladies, participating in Bunco, and enjoying her time in Garden Club. She also enjoyed entertaining and spending time with family and friends.

Mary’s sense of adventure led her to travel across the United States and Europe, with countless road trips and cruises alongside her greatest companion and love—her husband, Ned. Together, they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage, filled with laughter, partnership, and unwavering devotion.

Mary’s legacy lives on in the family she adored. She is survived by her loving husband, Ned Killian; her devoted son, Ted, and his wife, Angel; and her treasured granddaughters, Mary Kellerhals and her husband, Toby, and Anna Killian. She is also survived by her sister, Gail Coker; her late nephew, Samuel Saunders and great niece, Megan Saunders; her brother, Don Hudson and his wife, Jennifer; and her nephews, Dylan Yates and Daulton Yates.

Mary Frances Hudson Killian brought light and love into every room she entered. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.