Mrs. Carolyn Udean Gordon Bodden of Moss Point, MS passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 6, 1944, Udean was the daughter of Robert and Annie Gordon. She grew up in the Kreole Community and was a faithful member of Orange Grove Assembly of God, which was founded by her grandfather, Ira Bang. She spent her early years alongside her parents, "Boots and Bob," at the family-owned Wayside Grocery. It was there and throughout the Kreole community that she fostered many special friendships and made memories to last a lifetime. She graduated from Moss Point High School in 1962 where she was elected Most Beautiful, Best Dressed and lit up the fields as a Tigerette. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she met her true love, Hugh Bodden. They were married on January 11, 1963, at the First Presbyterian Church of Pascagoula and settled down in Moss Point to begin their life together. They raised two boys, Hugh, Jr., and Lance. Udean was a dedicated mother and homemaker and loved her family dearly and deeply. She was known by so many as a wonderful cook and baker. One of her most memorable culinary talents was cake decorating, which she shared with love by making exquisite birthday and holiday occasion cakes for her children and numerous family member and friends. Udean became a teacher and piano player at Miss Bobbie Nell's Kindergarten in Moss Point. Years earlier, her father-in-law dubbed her the "Pied Piper" because people were naturally drawn to her, especially children. To this day, many of those former students recall the joy she brought to them. After the Kindergarten closed, Udean went on to share her vibrant personality and people skills working for Dr. James Coe in Pascagoula. She continued working for many years in the Premier Eye Clinic where she made many dear friends of her employers, coworkers, and patients, before her retirement. Once her grandchildren, Max and Madeline, were born, every minute of her free time was spent doting on them, the loves of her life. Udean will always be fondly remembered for her loving and enduring spirit, her eternal optimism, her warm and welcoming personality, and especially for her ability to make anyone and everyone feel special. She truly epitomized the meaning of "beautiful, inside and out." Her enormous capacity for love will always be felt by those who were privileged to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert "Bob" Gordon and Annie "Boots" Bang Gordon; sister Charlotte Dilene Gordon. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Hugh Henry Bodden, Sr., her sons, Hugh Henry Bodden, Jr., and Lance (Shelly) Gordon Bodden, and two beloved grandchildren, Maxwell Taylor Bodden and Madeline Isabel Bodden; brother Wendell (Carolyn) Gordon; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to especially thank the wonderful people of Southern Care Hospice of Lucedale, Mrs. Sarah Taite, Ms. Sonya Nelson and all other of her caregivers for their dedication and love.

Pallbearers will be Vann Bodden, Trevor Cooley, Mark Herrington, Bobby Daffin, John Godfrey, Paul Balcer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to: The Salvation Army, Home of Grace, or St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pascagoula.

Visitation will take place at Holder-Wells Funeral Home on Monday, July 18, 2022, from 10:00am-11:00am. Funeral service will follow in the Holder-Wells Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00am. The graveside service will conclude at Orange Grove Cemetery.

You may view the online register book and send condolences to the family at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com

Holder-Wells Funeral Home 4007 Main Street Moss Point, Mississippi 39563 is in charge of the arrangements.