Mary Kathleen Dudley

Mary Kathleen Dudley was born on April 8, 1927, to the late Ivy Smith and Deacon Graham Smith. She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Earl Dudley, and her first grandson, Darnell Williams. Mary was one of a set of triplets. She was preceded in death by Chastine and Corrine, as well as the rest of her brothers: Shirley, Phillip, Emmett, Carl, and Harry; along with her oldest sister, Christine and her youngest sister, Verdena.

As a child, Mary attended the Oxford Mount Zion Baptist church, in Ruther Glen, Virginia, with her parents. After marriage, she joined St. John Baptist Church in Milford, Virginia, where she served faithfully for a number of years. She later joined, and continued to served faithfully at the Ebenezer Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in Richmond, Virginia, under the leadership of Bishop Benjamin Lewis. After several years in Richmond, Mary moved her membership closer to home, becoming a member of the True Deliverance Church in Bowling Green, Virginia, under the pastorship of her son, District Elder James Dudley. She was a born-again believer, baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost. She enjoyed attending church, humbly contributing in whatever manner she was asked. She served in various capacities in church over the years, including being a long-time member of the Usher’s Department, and a committed member of the Women’s Department. Even when she became disabled, she worked from her wheelchair, assisting with the preparation of dinner plates, or other projects as needed.

Mary was a social butterfly. She loved people and she loved life. She enjoyed visiting her relatives and friends and going on short trips with her husband. After his passing, she didn’t hesitate to hop in the car with her children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews. When she was no longer able to travel, she stayed in contact with her friends by phone.

She was also a giver at heart. She spoiled her grandchildren rotten, always giving them money, or treating them to toys, clothes, or events. Even at her advanced age, she knew all of her grandchildren by name. She loved them and they loved and respected her. Mary amazed everyone with her ability to remember people and events that most people her age or younger, could not.

A very caring mother, Mary made a conscious effort to call each of her children every night to tell them goodnight. She was always a praying woman, and could be heard praying and praising God on a daily basis while on her sick bed. According to medical staff, as she was transitioning, some of them joined her as she was quietly singing “Your Grace and Mercy.”

Mary will be remembered for being an unselfish giver and helper; and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory, her nine children: Earl, Jr. (Marcia); Jacqueline Brooks (Freddie) Doris Williams (Pierpont); Brenda Wilson (Kenny); Joan Dudley; Jean Dudley; James Dudley (Sharon); Lloyd Dudley; and Alban Dudley (Adrian); four close friends: Gloria Chatman, Gloria Freeman, Betty Green and Margaret Hall; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.