Elder Lucy Mae (Gardner) Hardy Dudley's Obituary
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."??2 Corinthians? ?5?:?1? ?
Goldsboro- The Management and Staff of Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors announce the earthly transition of Elder Lucy Dudley, 86, Elder Dudley transitioned on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Elder Lucy Mae Gardner Hardy Dudley was born in June 17, 1937 to the late Deacon Quincy and Laura Bell Gardner. She transitioned from her earthly home to eternal life with her Heavenly Father on November 21, 2023, at her residence.
She attended Lenoir County Schools and was a devoted member of St. Delight UHC, La Grange, NC. Years later, she relocated to Elizabeth, NJ, and joined Holy Tabernacle UHC of Elizabeth, NJ, where she served as an usher and minister until she returned back to La Grange, NC years later and rejoined her home church, St. Delight UHC. Here, she served as a minister, missionary, member of the Number 2 Choir, an ordained Elder, and former First Lady. She was also the former First Lady of Greater St. Bethel UHC, Middlesex, NC.
She was formerly employed at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ, and Caswell Center in Kinston, NC.
Elder Lucy Dudley's family was her pride and joy. She would often spend time with, cook, knit and crocheted anything she could think of for her family. Her infectious smile would light up any room, and was always kind to any and everyone she would meet. You could always find her testifying of the goodness of God, and how much she loved Him with all of her heart.
She humbly served and was faithful to The United Holy Church Of America, Inc., and The Southern District Convocation - Goldsboro as a Bishop's Wife, Bishop's Widow, and The Southern District Missionary Department serving in the Finance Department for many years until her health declined. The saints would always enjoy her presence as she was affectionately known as "Sis. Dudley", or "Mother Dudley".
She was preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Quincy Gardner, Sr. and Minister Laura Bell Gardner. Four sisters, Mother Annie Lewis, Elder Sallie Hutchins, Sis. Mildred Lewis, and Mother Laura Lewis. Three brothers, Mr. Thomas Waters, Bishop Quincy Gardner, Jr., and Mr. James Gardner. Her first husband, James Hardy, Sr. Her son, James Hardy, Jr. Her second husband, Bishop Leamon Dudley, Sr.
Elder Lucy Dudley leaves to cherish in her memories, two daughters, Shirley (Ronald) Shipman of Elizabeth, NJ, and Theresa Hardy of the home. Three sisters-in-law, Sis. Lenora Gardner, Loretta Gardner both of La Grange, NC, and Bertha Wooten of Newark, NJ. 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grand children.
Services of Love and compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.
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