Helen Dudley

On November 30, 2011, Helen Smitherman Dudley passed away as she lived; with courage, humor and grace in the company of family and loved ones. Due to illness for the past three and one half years she has resided in Franklin, Tennessee with her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Richard Bishop. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends praised her tenacity, insight and caring nature. Besides funny and wise, Helen was generous and kind to all. To know her was to love her; she will remain in our hearts forever. Lifelong, she maintained a supportive relationship with her deceased son, Sam; her daughter, Sandra and grandchildren, Chris, Kayla, Nathan and his wife, Ann Marie, along with their two children, Max and Annalise. The pinnacle love of her life for sixty-two years was her late husband, Samuel Watt Dudley. During her early married years, living in Benton, Alabama, Helen's giving nature led her to serve her church and community as a Sunday School teacher, leader in Women of the Church and other fund raising organizations. Helen was a member of Good Hope Presbyterian Church of Benton and First Presbyterian Church of Selma. While living in Selma, she enjoyed volunteering her time to the American Cancer Society and socializing with her many friends. Helen was the sister of the late Sam Smitherman, Joyce Harris and Joseph T. Smitherman. Her love, kindness and laughter will be deeply missed by all. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P. O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Visitation will be at Selma Funeral Home on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 4-6:00 p.m. Graveside services will be Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at New Live Oak Cemetery.