Edna E. Hudgens

Edna E. Hudgens loved life and filled it with friends and family.

She was born February 10, 1934 and raised in East Texas during the Great Depression. As a young girl of a single mother during those difficult times, Edna learned the value of family and how to be strong and caring. She married when she was 19 years old, and with the love of her life, Bob Hudgens, she soon became the mother of four children. The family of a U.S. Air Force pilot, they moved often, settling in Fort Walton Beach in 1968. There Edna was active in the First Baptist Church, where she was one of the founding members of the International School, teaching English as a second language. Her Christian faith was foundational throughout her life.

In her 40’s, Edna began a successful career as a Realtor and Broker. She and her husband, together, started Coastal Realty Services. Dedicated to integrity and fairness, she influenced many people’s lives, whether she was selling a house, mentoring employees, or serving on the board of directors for Realtors. Today, almost fifty years later, her vision and legacy continue at Coastal Realty with her son, Bob Hudgens, and daughter, Denise Hudgens Bavarian.

She was also influential in the lives of her daughters, Katherine Letsinger and Cynthia Hale, visiting them regularly, always ready to enjoy the places where they lived.

Edna’s life was filled with adventure, whether it was a new home or a cross country trip in the motor home, stopping to see friends whenever possible. She had a keen interest in genealogy. Edna welcomed each of her nine great grandchildren with a handstitched baby quilt, like she did with her grandchildren years ago.

She lived into her 90th year, a milestone that was important to her. Edna’s spirit was strong and her mind was sharp. Even with declining health, she had a competitive nature and still won games of Canasta a few weeks ago. Edna talked to her grandchildren and their families on FaceTime and wanted to travel to England again.

Edna cared deeply about her “personal assistants,” Connie and Tai, and valued how they helped her to be as independent as possible this past year. At her living community, BayPort, she loved going for walks with them, and would always stop to say a “hi” to everyone she met. Edna loved all kinds of flowers, especially pansies and yellow roses.

She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at her home in the BayPort community in Fort Walton Beach. Edna was surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded by her husband, Robert V. Hudgens. Those left to cherish her memory are her four children and their spouses, Cynthia Hale (Robert Hale), Denise Bavarian (Farshad Bavarian), Bob Hudgens (Terri Hudgens) and Katherine Letsinger (Oliver Pritchard); ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Edna is dearly loved and will be missed by many.

All are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service and reception being held on Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. To share memories, please sign the guestbook at www.daviswatkins.com or send cards to Coastal Realty Services, 111 Beal Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.