Martha Jo Smith Dudley went to be with her Lord on March 20, 2023, at the age of 90.
Throughout her life, her focus was on her family and the well-being of others. Jo had a true servant’s heart. Her most cherished title was that of “Grandmama.”
Jo was born in the Salem community on October 19, 1932, to Boykin and Mattie Lou Smith. She was a sibling to seven brothers and one sister.
Jo graduated from Beauregard High School, where she was a member of the Beta Club. She worked for a short period of time at the Opelika Mill.
On Dec. 24, 1951, Jo married the love of her life, John Robert Dudley. Together they raised four children and shared 67 years of happiness.
Mrs. Dudley loved the Lord and was firm in her faith. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika, where she taught third-graders and was a member of the Sarah Sunday School Class. She later attended First Freewill Baptist Church. Jo was active in the Civinette Club, Pepperell Garden Club and was a Pink Lady with the EAMC auxiliary.
Jo was a caretaker by nature, taking care of everyone who crossed her path, especially John, until his death. She was a wonderful cook and known for her sweet potato biscuits and homemade jellies. Her home was a welcoming one, holding a place for every visitor at her table. In addition to being remembered as a gracious host, Jo will always be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother. The family will greatly miss her, but we celebrate her arrival into her heavenly home.
Jo was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Dudley; her parents, William Boykin Smith and Mattie Lou Butler Smith; and her brothers: J.W., Buddy, Ezra Burrell, Guy and Arthur Smith.
She is survived by her four children: Linda Dudley Epperson (Virgil), Ellen Dudley Gaberlavage (Tommy), Vicki Dudley Massingill (Joey) and John Robert Dudley Jr. (Rhonda); her nine grandchildren: Paul Gaberlavage (Ginny), Hayley Gaberlavage, Blake Epperson (Lybbi), Courtney Massingill Wood (John), Lindsey Epperson Buttrey (Jonathan), Robert Dudley (Anna), Lawler Dudley Taylor (Jake), Laurel Dudley and Tillman Dudley; and her 12 great-grandchildren: Libby, John Thomas and Emily Gaberlavage; Walton Epperson; Ellie Gray; Norah Cate and Savannah Buttrey; Leah and Mary Drew Wood; Martha Brynn Dudley; and Mack and Wes Taylor.
She is survived by her brothers, Dallas Smith (Joyce) and Hal Smith; her sister, Sarah Sasser Hughes; sister-in-law, Carolyn Dudley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express our gratitude to her loving and tireless caregivers: Myrtle Wallace, Jean McBride, Kim Young, Cindy Darby, Nina Darby and Tammy Smith.
Funeral services were held at the chapel at Frederick Dean Funeral Home on March 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.