Katherine "Kay" Duda Richards

Katherine (Kay) Ruth Hunter Duda Richards, 68, a life-long resident Ocean Springs, MS, passed on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Kay was born March 4, 1943 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Josephine Leavenworth and Milton Hunter. She was a graduate of Ocean Springs High School, Perkinston Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, receiving a degree in music education. She taught elementary music education in McComb and Avon schools and retired from the Jackson County School System (St. Martin North) in 2001 after 27 years of service. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Michael Duda, and her husband of four years, James Thomas Richards Jr. She is survived by her children Allan Duda (Renee) and Craig Duda (Sarah) to whom she was known as "Mommy". Four grandchildren: Cassie, Lauren, Ethan and Virginia Josephine Duda, to whom she was known as "Mammy", all of Ocean Springs. Two brothers; Frank Hunter (Jean) of Ocean Springs and Chuck Hunter (Jan) of Winchester, Virginia. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Janette Curry of Mobile, Alabama and Kathy Anderson (Richard) of Chicago, Illinois and nieces and nephews. She was known to many of her friends and acquaintances as just "Duda". One of her greatest joys was to share her musical talents with friends and family. Kay was a friend to all she met and will be missed by those whose lives were touched by her love, her caring, and her music. Kay was a lifetime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where she was Organist/Choirmaster for 34 years. She was active in many areas of church life and was a member of the Altar Guild, Worship Committee and St. Mary’s Guild. She served on the Diocesan Commission on Music, attended an early Mississippi Cursillo, was an active member of Ultreya, and a member of the committee to develop a Mississippi Cursillo Song Book. After retiring from St. John’s, she worked as a supply organist for churches from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula until she accepted the position as Organist and Choir Director for St. Alphonsus and St. Elizabeth Catholic Churches in Ocean Springs. Her love of music and her talent was apparent at an early age, as she has played for weddings and funerals at churches and funeral homes across the coast. She sang in both liturgical and secular choirs across the coast. From an early age she was an active, dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, first as a Rainbow Girl, then as a member, and ultimately a Worthy Matron of the Adah Chapter #49. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Nile. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 12, at 10 AM followed by a Memorial Eucharist at 11 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs. Interment will be in St. John’s Memorial Garden immediately following the service. Her mother will also be interred at this time. After interment everyone is invited to a reception in the Parish Hall. The Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kay Duda Richards Organ Restoration Fund at St. John’s Episcopal Church. .