Linda Karen “Kay” Calvert
In Loving Memory of Linda Karen “Kay” Calvert
Our greatest sorrow has become Kay’s greatest joy.
An accomplished singer, Linda Karen Calvert—lovingly known as Kay or “KK”—passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at 1:59 PM at UAB Hospital, following more than a month of hospitalization. She was 70 years young. Surrounded by those who loved her most, Kay left this world for the most beautiful place we can imagine—Heaven—where she is now rejoicing in the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She is reunited with her beloved parents, Frank and Gerti Jones, and all those she loved and missed who have gone before her. Though our hearts are broken and our tears are many, we know she would want us to feel the overwhelming joy she now knows in the presence of angels.
Kay had a deep and generous heart, always willing to help family and friends in need. She devoted herself to caring for her parents in their final years, and her greatest joy in recent years came from being “KK” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kay was passionate about gardening, and she had a special fondness for collecting pigs and carousel horses.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Chester Calvert (daughter Tiffany and son Nat); her son, Reed Hudson, and his wife, April; her brother, Keith Jones (Renee); and sister, Kathy Hollingsworth (Chip). Kay is also lovingly remembered by Chester’s sister, Anita Hyde (husband Mike), who became like a second sister to her, and her brother-in-law, Richard Calvert.
Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren—Kane Hudson, Joshua Hudson, Caroline Moore, and Rylee Moore—and her great-grandsons, Kane Hudson Jr. and River Hudson.
She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews: Joshua Jones (Kacy and their son Lopez), Joey Jones (Sunny and their children Sheppard, River, August, and Winnie), Jamie Jones Ooten (Zach and their children Hooper and Jones), and Leslie Hollingsworth Grant (child Konner Reed Hollingsworth Collins).
We prayed for a miracle, and God gave her Heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the charity of your choice, in Kay’s memory.
I have been beyond sad these past few days. I am so sorry for Chester, Reed, Kane, Keith and Kathy, and all of Kay’s many, many loved ones and friends.
We grew up together, Kay and Rhonda and I were three best friends from the seventh grade through young adulthood, when life took us in different directions. She was a part of my family. I just loved her family so much, and my family all loved her. She was the best friend anyone could’ve had. She was always the liveliest and brightest person, everyone loved being around her. And to top it off, she was so sweet and generous, and so extremely talented. She seemed so casual about her uncommonly beautiful singing voice—that always amazed me.
I talked to her a few times these last few years and she was the same person—lively, sweet, witty, funny and just great. I always hoped that we could get together more often, and I will miss her terribly.
I am in tears again thinking about her, but I know that she was a believer and I am thankful that she is in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ and that I will see her again there.
Words cannot express my grief, sorrow, and overwhelming sadness. She brought so much joy just by being in a room. Her essence was bright, her beautiful humming and singing brought a smile to my face. She was my dear friend and confidante. We raised our teenage boys together and we all survived…Lol
I miss her so very much.
I love you Kay. Sing with the angels 😇
Chester-
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely wife. My deepest condolences to you and your family.