In Memory of Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn
Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn, 81, of Hammond, died peacefully on December 2, 2023. She was born to James Garvis Hulsey and Charel Hathorn Hulsey on November 10, 1942. Katherine graduated from Woodland High School in 1960. She attended LSU and went on to graduate with a degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Years later, she returned to Southeastern to pursue a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Administration. In the spring of 1995, she proudly walked across the stage to accept her diploma while wearing a stole of distinction for being an honor graduate. Her teaching career began in 1965 at Pine Grove High, then to Amite Elementary. From there, she would spend the next 27 years at Oak Forest Academy, where she was one of the original faculty members.
The highlight of her time at OFA was being there when her sons were her students. Her career ended at Ponchatoula High School when she retired in 2022, after teaching there for 24 years. Katherine was an educator, mentor and administrator for an unprecedented 56 years. She spoke fondly and with immense pride of her former students and how she always tried her very best to be a positive influence in their lives. Without a doubt, she succeeded. Hundreds upon hundreds of students have been touched by her kindness, compassion and knowledge. From cooking and sewing in Home Economics to Civics and American History, all who were fortunate to have been taught by her are better because of her.
Katherine is survived by her three sons, Boyd Raborn, Jr. and wife, Michelle, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jeff Raborn and wife, Ashley, of Winston Salem, North Carolina and Richard Raborn of Hammond, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Gunnar, Jack, Bailey, Hunt, Breanna and Joshua Raborn; her brothers, Lieutenant Colonel James Hulsey, Jr. (Judy) and Dr. Thomas Hulsey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Boyd Raborn, Sr.
Option to make check payable to: LSU Foundation
Notation Line: In Memory of Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn
Send to: LSU Foundation
3796 Nicholson Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
The LSU Foundation will work with Mrs. Raborn’s family to establish the purpose of tribute funds contributed through this effort. Her family will also represent all donors for any needed revision to the purpose of the fund.
The LSU Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with Mrs. Raborn’s family. We do not share the gift amount unless a donor explicitly gives us permission to do so.