Catherine Smith Budlong

Catherine Smith McPhaul Budlong, age 100, passed away on February 18, 2024 in Douglasville, Ga. She was born in Chattahoochee, Fl, daughter of William A. Smith and Mittie Lee Andrews Smith. She graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 1941.

Mrs. Budlong moved to Jacksonville, FL after the death of her first husband, Marvin McPhaul, in 1947. She worked in Jacksonville for the U.S. Navy and the General Services Administration before moving to Atlanta, GA to marry Thomas F. Budlong, Sr. (Bud). In Atlanta, she worked for the Internal Revenue Service until her retirement after 30 years with the U.S. Government.

Mrs. Budlong was a charter member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, served as an Eucharistic Minister and on the Parish Council. She had been an active member of the Parkway Medical Center Auxiliary for over 20 years and was president of the Auxiliary when the hospital closed. She later joined the WellStar Douglas Hospital Auxiliary.

Besides her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Thomas F. Budlong, Sr. (Bud); her brothers, Carl and Curtis Smith; and sister, Corine Brickman.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Debbie Skopczynski; nieces, Janice Faircloth Garcia, LaVerne Thibeault and Linda Willaford; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank her many friends who helped with her care over the last 3 years and her recent illness.

Thoughts and condolences to the family may be shared online at www.whitleygarner.com.

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Catherine Budlong.