In Loving Memory Of
Kathy Jo Cuchens
January 19, 1947 -
May 28, 2026
In the care of
Brackney Funeral Service
Kathy Jo Cuchens ran joyously into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, her mind and body fully restored. Born on January 19, 1947, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Lawrence and Josephine Poff, Kathy lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering love, and quiet strength. She loved the Lord with her whole heart, and her devotion shaped every part of her life. Next to her faith, nothing mattered more to her than her family - her beloved husband, James Kaymon Cuchens Jr., whom she adored for nearly sixty years, and her children Lori, Tonya, Kaymon, Jamie, and Ashley. Even in her days at the nursing home in Florala, she continued reminding her family of the importance of loving one another well.
Kathy’s family moved to Central Florida in 1957, and she graduated from Seminole High School in 1965. Not long after, she met a young Navy Petty Officer who would become the love of her life. They spent many evenings dancing at the Rainbow Inn before marrying on June 20, 1966. Their family grew quickly—first Lori, then Tonya—and after Jim (as he was known back in those days) left the Navy to work at Cape Canaveral, Kathy made sure her children were outside to watch the rockets soar into the sky. In 1972, the family moved to Freeport, Florida, where Kaymon, Jamie, and Ashley completed their family.
Wherever they lived, Kathy created a warm, welcoming home. She was a bit of a drill sergeant and known for her tidy house, her hearty gardens, and her incredible cooking. Whether it was fried chicken, roast beef, or her famous strawberry cake, she poured love into every meal. Christmas was her masterpiece - she transformed their home into a place of joy and wonder, a tradition her family cherishes to this day.
Though she never sought the spotlight, Kathy was a powerful influence in the lives of her children. She taught them about Jesus, answered their questions, and cheered them on at every game, event, and milestone. Her life was not without hardship, including the difficult years Alzheimer’s stole from her, but she remained strong and steadfast. She would tell you that strength came from Jesus—and her family knows she was right.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Josephine Poff; her sister Sharon Sylvester; her brother Ken Poff; her brother‑in‑law Alec Cuchens; and her granddaughter, Miley Cuchens. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Kaymon Cuchens Jr.; her children Lori Kelley (Chuck), Tonya Richards (Steve), Kaymon Cuchens (Marlo), Jamie Cuchens (Lindsay), and Ashley Cuchens (Ashley); her grandchildren Taylor Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Kendall Kelley, Hannah Richards, Emily Richards, Jonathon Cuchens, Elizabeth Cuchens, and Sawyer Cuchens; and her great‑grandchildren James Reece Kelley and James Andrew Cuchens. She also leaves behind special niece, Daloy Owens and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Florala Health and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care of Kathy these past several years.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Josh Tubberville officiating. Burial to follow at Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport, Florida.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Ashley Cuchens (son)
Kaymon Cuchens (son)
Ryan Kelley (grandson)
Taylor Kelley (grandson)
Jonathan Cuchens (grandson)
Kelvin Cuchens (brother-in-law)
Brackney Funeral Service is entrusted with the arrangements.
You may leave a condolence at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Kathy’s family moved to Central Florida in 1957, and she graduated from Seminole High School in 1965. Not long after, she met a young Navy Petty Officer who would become the love of her life. They spent many evenings dancing at the Rainbow Inn before marrying on June 20, 1966. Their family grew quickly—first Lori, then Tonya—and after Jim (as he was known back in those days) left the Navy to work at Cape Canaveral, Kathy made sure her children were outside to watch the rockets soar into the sky. In 1972, the family moved to Freeport, Florida, where Kaymon, Jamie, and Ashley completed their family.
Wherever they lived, Kathy created a warm, welcoming home. She was a bit of a drill sergeant and known for her tidy house, her hearty gardens, and her incredible cooking. Whether it was fried chicken, roast beef, or her famous strawberry cake, she poured love into every meal. Christmas was her masterpiece - she transformed their home into a place of joy and wonder, a tradition her family cherishes to this day.
Though she never sought the spotlight, Kathy was a powerful influence in the lives of her children. She taught them about Jesus, answered their questions, and cheered them on at every game, event, and milestone. Her life was not without hardship, including the difficult years Alzheimer’s stole from her, but she remained strong and steadfast. She would tell you that strength came from Jesus—and her family knows she was right.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Josephine Poff; her sister Sharon Sylvester; her brother Ken Poff; her brother‑in‑law Alec Cuchens; and her granddaughter, Miley Cuchens. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Kaymon Cuchens Jr.; her children Lori Kelley (Chuck), Tonya Richards (Steve), Kaymon Cuchens (Marlo), Jamie Cuchens (Lindsay), and Ashley Cuchens (Ashley); her grandchildren Taylor Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Kendall Kelley, Hannah Richards, Emily Richards, Jonathon Cuchens, Elizabeth Cuchens, and Sawyer Cuchens; and her great‑grandchildren James Reece Kelley and James Andrew Cuchens. She also leaves behind special niece, Daloy Owens and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Florala Health and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care of Kathy these past several years.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Josh Tubberville officiating. Burial to follow at Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport, Florida.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Ashley Cuchens (son)
Kaymon Cuchens (son)
Ryan Kelley (grandson)
Taylor Kelley (grandson)
Jonathan Cuchens (grandson)
Kelvin Cuchens (brother-in-law)
Brackney Funeral Service is entrusted with the arrangements.
You may leave a condolence at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com