Winifred Hudgins Shutley

Winifred Dora Hudgins Shutley, affectionately known as "Aunt Winnie," passed away peacefully at the age of 108 on September 28, 2024. Born on September 10, 1916, in Gainesville, Georgia, she was preceded in death by her parents, Wyatt and Ilah Hudgins, siblings Beverly Jane Hudgins, Virgina Lee Hudgins, Heim Hudgins, Curtis Hudgins and wife Flora, sister-in-law Lois Benson. Nieces Lillian Hudgins Harrison and Jackie Hudgins Hann, all of Buford. Best friend Faye Ferrell, Atlanta. She is survived by niece and husband, Jimmie Taylor and Ron, Buford. Great nieces Tammy Holland Harris and husband Tim, Buford, Sonya Raines and husband Greg, Jefferson, Staci Pealock and husband Todd, Demorest. Great nephews Scott Maddox and wife Laura, Braselton, Junior Harrison and wife Cindy, Buford, special Granddaughter and special Grandson Catherine and Gunnar Martin, their daughters Violet and Zinnia Winnie, Atlanta. Many great-great nieces and great-great nephews, great-great-great nieces and great-great-great nephews. Winnie’s century-spanning life was filled with stories of resilience, service, and laughter that touched all who knew her. Her presence and charm brightened the lives of those around her, and her legacy of kindness and wit will be cherished for generations to come. Miss Winnie graduated from Flowery Branch High School in 1933 and later attended Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Dillard. She moved to Atlanta to begin a career that led her through numerous exciting opportunities, including work with the Atlanta Paper Company, the Atlanta Bakery, and the famous Atlanta Tea Room on Peachtree Street. One of her fondest memories was stepping outside during her shift in 1939 to witness Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh riding in a silver Rolls Royce for the Gone With The Wind world premiere, which she attended later that evening at the Loews Grand Theatre. During World War II, Winnie contributed to the war effort with pride, loading munitions and folding parachutes to supply the troops. She was deeply patriotic and often spoke with pride about her country. Her favorite President was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and she was fortunate to witness his funeral procession by train in 1945 from the station’s platform in Charlotte, North Carolina. In later years, she was a passionate supporter of President Trump, admiring his leadership by speaking highly of things he was enacting and what a great job he was doing for our country. A true social butterfly, Winnie made friends wherever she went. A longtime admirer of WSB-TV's Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns, she was thrilled to meet him and tour the station at the remarkable age of 103. Winnie was also an avid fan of the TV series Gunsmoke and actor James Arness, frequently likening Jones Alley in Buford to Dodge City. Her love of fashion was legendary, with stories of her impeccable style and visits to Davison-Paxon and Rich’s Downtown in Atlanta often being told by friends and family. You would never see Winnie without her signature ‘Kiss Me Coral’ lipstick, perfectly manicured nails, and stylish hair which was often set at the fabulous hair salon Rich’s Downtown. Her style was an essential part of who she was. She also had a great love for jazz music, often dancing to Cab Calloway after family gatherings, even past the age of 100. Animals held a special place in Winnie’s heart, and over the years she rescued many. Her beloved pets—Little Carol, Big Daddy, Frank, Doodle Bug, and others—surely greeted her at Heaven’s gate. Winnie was a devoted member of Macon Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta for many years before moving to Buford in 2009 to be closer to family. She was truly one of a kind and never met a stranger. Her sharp wit, humor, and boundless energy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at PruittHealth-Lanier Nursing Facility and PruittHealth Hospice for their compassionate care during Winnie’s time with them. Winifred Dora Hudgins Shutley’s life was one marked by joy, love, and an unwavering spirit. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed. A visitation will be held at Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, Georgia on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 3:00 pm, followed by a 5:00 pm graveside service at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens officiated by Pastor Bryan Woodson of Free Chapel - Gwinnett Campus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Winnie’s memory to your favorite animal charity.

Winifred Hudgins Shutley

September 10, 1916 - September 28, 2024