Ethel Dudley

Obituary Ethel Collins Dudley was born on November 28, 1925 in Newbern, Alabama to Reverend Godfrey David Collins, Sr. and Ethel Owens Collins. She was reared by her grandmother Queen Owens and her grandfather Coleman Owens. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Newbern, Alabama under the leadership of Reverend Moten. She was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Walter Lee (Ladd) Dudley, Sr. and to this union eight children were born. She later moved to Bessemer, Alabama and joined New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the pasturage of Reverend R. H. Thompkins. She was a faithful member and served diligently as a deacon’s wife, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. She was also involved in the Nurses Guild, Matron’s, Christian Aid Society, Christian Education, Pastor’s  Aid, and the Culinary Committee. Her other leadership capacities included the Missionary President and President of The Sisters and Brothers/ Benevolent Society. Later she joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the pasturage of Reverend D. Foy Hutchins where she served faithfully until her transition. She was one of the founding members and Mother of the Church. In addition to her Christian service she was also involved in other civic and community organizations. She served as past Worthy Matron of the Scarlet Line Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Sister Dudley was an advocate for voter registration and was the first African American Clerk with the City of Bessemer, Alabama at Jonesboro Elementary School. She was also appointed Deputy Registrar with Jefferson County Voter’s Registration. Her other civic activities included being an active member of the Burstall Civic League, the Concerned Citizens of Bessemer, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She knew the importance of exercising the right to vote and being involved in social and political issues in the community. Sister Dudley was a very strong willed woman of God whose joy and presence filled up the room and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was well known and loved by her community for her motherly involvement and upbringing of many children and families. Her home was filled with love and open to those in need. As the matriarch, she instilled in her family the value staying together, showing respect, and remaining meek and humble. To know her was to love her. Her favorite quote became the family’s motto: A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together. Preceding her in death were: husband Walter Lee Dudley, Sr.; brother Godfrey David Collins, Jr. and a sister Ruth Ector; daughter Louise Dudley, son Attorney Godfrey Dudley, Sr., and son Walter Dudley, Jr.; great grandson, Quentin Corey Hunter, II Ethel Collins Dudley transitioned peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2017. Her legacy of love, devotion and strong family values will continue in the lives of those she touched. She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter Mureldene Jackson (Jimmy) of Bessemer, Alabama; son George Dudley (Maple) of Bessemer, Alabama; daughter Barbara Dudley Snead (Anthony, Sr.) of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter LaFrances Dudley O’Neal (Gary) of Clinton, Maryland;  and daughter Sharetta Hunter of Bessemer, Alabama; daughters-in-law Penni Dudley of Washington D.C., Ethel A. Dudley of Birmingham, Alabama and Ernestine Williams of Birmingham, Alabama; sister- in-law Flora Scales of Columbus, Ohio. She was affectionately known as “Granny D” and was loved by 23 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. She had a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and cherished friends.