Willa Jean (Pace) Dudley, the daughter of Guy Edgar Pace and Susie Barnes Pace, and sister of William Edgar Pace, went peacefully home to heaven on the afternoon of May 7th, 2016. Willa Jean was the wife of Bennie Joe Dudley, who had entered his rest 7 months earlier.
Willa Jean, or “Will” as she was often called, met Ben during her high school years in Marianna, Florida, and they were married in 1954. After marriage, Will and Ben moved to Chattahoochee, Florida, and worked together there for decades in the medical laboratory at the Florida State Hospital. Will and Ben were very active in the community, helping many Chattahoochee youth through their teenage years. Will and Ben were both active in the First United Methodist Church in Chattahoochee.
Willa Jean and Ben had two sons: John Pace Dudley of Arlington, Texas, and William Benjamin Dudley, of Newnan, Georgia, both airline pilots. The Dudleys loved to travel as a family, and most weekends were spent traveling with John and William. Will enjoyed spending family time in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and also the beaches of Panama City, Florida. Will also enjoyed boating on the Apalachicola River and Lake Seminole, and camping at Kolomoki State Park near Blakely, Georgia.
During her later years, Willa Jean suffered from the Alzheimer’s illness, and Ben was her constant caregiver. Following Ben’s passing, Will had received care at the Insignia Home in Newnan, Georgia.
Willa Jean was known by all as a joyful and happy woman, a devoted and loving wife and mother, and a constant encourager, helper, and giver. Willa Jean’s attitude of service to others brought peace to the lives of those who knew her. She was a truly joyful, peaceful, and loving woman to her family and community.
Willa Jean is survived by her two sons, John and William Dudley, nephews Don Pace of Tallahassee and Doug Pace of Tampa, grandchildren Jennifer Grzegorczyk, Christopher John Dudley, William Benjamin Dudley II, Wallace Grant Dudley, Rodney James Abercrombie, Matthew Drake Gordon, and great-grandchild Christopher Douglas Grzegorczyk.
Visitation with the family will take place from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm EDT, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Lanier-Andler Funeral Home Chapel in Sneads. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 11:00 am EDT at The First United Methodist Church in Chattahoochee with Rev. Mike Hutcherson and Rev. Ken Hamilton officiating. Committal and Interment Services will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Marianna, Florida.
Lanier-Andler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.