Louise Dudley

The story of their lives is told as one, as “Their lives were intertwined like branches of a sturdy oak, each supporting the other through every storm.”

Never to be unglued in life, so in death, they would not be detached. Mr. Rudolph took flight to his eternal home on March 28, 2024 and two days later, March 30, 2024, Louise gently closed her eyes and joined her beloved husband in the bosom of our LORD and Savior.

Louise was born January 16, 1932, in Manhattan, New York to Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Emma Wade. Two years later in 1934, five hundred and sixty-five miles away, Mr. Rudolph was born June 28, 1934, in Maysville, North Carolina, to the late Furney and Joanna Smith Dudley.

As infants and youths, unaware of our destiny and where life’s journey will carry us, Louise was educated in the New York Public School System, graduating from Mabel Dean Bacon High School in 1951 and Rudolph was educated in the North Carolina School System, graduating from Jones High School in 1953.

“Sometimes, fate brings two people together, even when they are worlds apart and their paths have never crossed before.”  Rudolph relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1956. There, Rudolph met the love of his life, Lousie Wade. Two years later, March 22, 1958, they were united in Holy Matrimony. Theirs was a love that endured the test of time. To their union were born four beautiful children. The family relocated to Hampton, Virginia in 1986 where the couple remained until their passing.

Rudolph and Louise both developed their faith at Greater Bible Way Temple in Brooklyn, New York. They both were baptized at this church. Rudolph was baptized January 27, 1985 and Louise was baptized January 6, 1986 both by Bishop Rogers. Later they became members of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in 1993 where they served faithfully. Mr. Dudley was a member of the Parking Lot Ministry, the men’s ministry and Early Morning Harvesters while Mrs. Dudley ministered with the Early Morning Ushers and participated in the Women’s Ministry.

Mrs. Dudley was employed at Gethsemane Baptist Church, as a member of the janitorial staff. She also worked with the Eagle Room at Langley Air Force Base and as a greeter at Walmart. In New York Mrs. Dudley was a seamstress and her favorite phrase was, “Don’t make me cut your butt.” Mr. Dudley was a cook and brought his cooking skills toHardee’s and other restaurant establishments. He later joined the maintenance team at the Sweet Briar Apartment Complex. His favorite words were, “Everything is going to be alright” and “Baby, all we can do is pray.”

They were both known for their caring and kind spirit. Their home was a place where many were welcome and all who entered their doors would find warm hearts and wonderful food. Together they were loving to others. Rudolph was easy-going and calm. It meant a lot to him to take care of his family and loved ones. He loved to snack and enjoyed eating hard cinnamon candy, peppermint candy and yellow cake with chocolate icing.  Louise was almost the complete opposite, she was feisty. She had a big appetite to be such a petite person. She loved to laugh and have a good time. According to Louise, Cake is to be eaten with ice cream.

Mr. Dudley was preceded in death by brothers, Buddy Rob Smith, Mike Smith and Joe Smith; their daughter, Diana Desouza and Grandson Damon Desouza.

Those left to cherish their memories are three sons, Edward Dudley, Rudolph (Randy) Dudley Jr, and

Dana Dudley; Grandchildren, Jameek, Paige, Keemaj, Levi, Dana, Sanaa’, Jasmine; Great Grandchildren, Rodriguez, Keemaj, Monasia, and Kai’Lani.  Louise leaves a sister Slyvia Clark and one nephew Bobby Clark.

In addition to the Dudley’s biological family, are those they chose as family. Their bonus daughters are, Faye Draughon, Teresa Kirby and Freda Ashley, Bonus Son, Scott Gary, Bonus Grandchildren, Ambrossa Alexander, Tasha Godwin (Maurice), Lakeita Clarkson (Mike), Rashad Draughon, Bonus Great Grandchildren- Trinity Alexander, Kennedy Alexander, Alania Foxx, Kiara Foxx, Nicholai Stham, Noah

Draughon, Bonus Great-Great Grandchild- Kaleigh Smith.  Their Special friends are: Scarlet Grant, Rita Green, Cheryl Knight (Shawn), Deirdre “Best Friend” Byrd (Melvin), Tonya Bell Smith and a plethora of others.

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