Kathy Clawson Senn, 71, of Luverne, Alabama, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 1, 2025.
The youngest of three daughters to William J. Clawson and Ola Agnes Butts Clawson, Kathy was born on March 14, 1954, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. At the age of twenty-five the Lord guided her and her young family south to Alabama, where she would flourish for the next forty-six years.
No stranger to hard work, Kathy eventually landed at the Luverne Housing Authority in 1984, where she found her true calling. Starting as an administrative assistant, her hard work and continual quest for learning led to her rising through the ranks to eventually become the Executive Director of the Luverne Housing Authority. Although she held the highest title, residents were never surprised to see "Miss Kathy" out within their communities. She was always happy to lead inspections, help clean, or just visit with those living under her leadership. And while she was no-nonsense in the directing of her communities, she always had empathy and love for her residents, especially the elderly. That empathy was a trait she carried the entire way through until her retirement in 2016.
While Kathy's calling may have been to help those within the Luverne Housing Authority's communities, her true love was clearly her family. Having found love again in 1996, she enjoyed her early year trips to Colorado, the beach, or even just riding the dirt roads and eating boiled peanuts. As that love matured, Kathy especially loved quiet time at the cabin watching the sunset with a good book and Charles' company. Her love was especially deep for her children. You could see pride in her eyes and her smile if you happened to ask about them. As a young mother of small kids, she made memories that she was certain to share at family gatherings, or just at a random time if she wanted a laugh or a smile. Kathy loved "family day" lunches, the "unexpected" drop-in visits, or the quick shopping trip to anywhere. For her, it simply meant time with her children and sharing in their lives.
And while the kids knew their momma loved them and was proud of them, they were also aware that they took a backseat to her beloved grandchildren! The love "Gramma" had for her grandkids was never in doubt. The joy they gave her with their Friday spend the night parties, endless works of art, stories of their exploits, or just wanting to cuddle was never ending, and she could never get enough. Gramma would tell anyone about the latest in each of the grandchildren's lives, beaming with delight as she spoke about their accomplishments. And it was certainly a sense of pride that she had as she was able to watch them grow from babies to the young adults they are today.
Of course, anyone that knew Kathy knew of the fierce love she had for her sister and her family. Kathy looked up to her sister for inspiration and in awe as all siblings do to their older siblings. Not that many tried but it was best not to speak anything negative about her sister, as Kathy would have no part in it,,,or allow it to go unchallenged. The bond between the two of them only grew stronger through the years, and the love was evident. And as far as adventures go, if there was ever a real-life Thelma and Louise, Kathy and BeeGee were the lead characters.
Most importantly, Kathy was a child of God. She was a faithful member of Luverne First Baptist Church where she could be found in the balcony area on Sunday mornings following Sunday school. Through the years she worked as a Sunday school teacher, a vacation bible school teacher, and in any other role she was asked to serve. She enjoyed quiet time reading God's word. And, if asked, she would proudly tell you that she could not wait to jump into Jesus' arms- like depicted in one of her favorite paintings, First Day in Heaven.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bill) and Agnes Clawson; sister, Carol Clawson; and Shannon Williams. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Charles T. Senn; her children, Dr. Edward W. Billings, Jr., Lisa (Andy) Smith, and Charles A. (Jessica) Senn; grandchildren, Becca Billings, Aly Billings, KatieMarie Smith, Chloe Smith, Breyson Senn, Elijah Williams, Charlie Senn, Chase (Emily) Williams, and Blake Williams; sister, BeeGee (Bill) McManigle; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Services will be at First Baptist Church of Luverne on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with Brother Clay Crum officiating. The family will receive guests an hour prior to the service. A private graveside will be held following, with an interment at Luverne Emmaus Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Edward W. Billings, Jr., Andy Smith, John McManigle, Jason McManigle, Breyson Senn, and Chloe Smith.
First Baptist Church of Luverne
First Baptist Church of Luverne
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