Laura Eades Dudley

With heavy hearts and heartfelt love, we announce that Laura Eades Dudley of Altavista, Virginia went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was the wife of 67 years of the late James Carleton Dudley who changed his mailing address to Heaven on September 22, 2018, and was the love of her life. She often said that she felt as though she lost her right arm when he went to Heaven, and lived what her wedding vows said, "to love him in sickness and in health." Laura was born June 10, 1932, in Gladys, Virginia, a cherished daughter of the late Jerry Morton Eades, Sr. and Elizabeth Dowdy Eades. She was one of eight children. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and at a young age, Laura gave her life to Christ at this Church. Laura was a devoted homemaker and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and found immense joy in serving others alongside her husband, Carleton. In her quiet way, she did all she could to ensure those around her were taken care of and provided for, no matter how great the need. There was nothing she would not do for her family. To know Laura was to feel truly loved. Her warmth, kindness and genuine spirit touched countless lives. Laura is survived by two loving daughters, Marie Dudley and Rachel Dudley, granddaughter, Pamela Lukin (Scott); two great grandchildren, Garry Lukin and Kenneth Lukin, and her beloved sister Joyce Bolen. She has many nieces, nephews, and other family members that she dearly loved. She is also survived by her devoted and faithful canine companion, Nyla. Laura was preceded in death by a son, James Carleton Dudley, Jr.; three sisters, Catherine Eades, Dorothy Chapman, and Shirley Chapman; three brothers, Jerry Morton Eades, Jr., James Edward Eades, and Henry Stephen Eades, and a special aunt and second Mama, Lottie Mae Dowdy. Lottie Mae assisted Laura's Daddy with raising Laura and her siblings when her Mama passed away when she was only 12 years of age. Laura was truly grateful for the many prayers, visits, meals, floral arrangements, singing, cards, etc. that her family, friends and medical team did for her. Laura wanted to extend her heartfelt gratefulness to Angela, Amanda, Ashley, Jess, Jill, John, Matt, Michelle, Norma and Vicky of Heartland Hospice for outstanding, compassionate care during her time of illness. Laura especially appreciated Pastor John Moxley visiting with her playing the guitar, singing hymns and praying with her and her family, including Nyla. The funeral service will be held to honor Laura's life and remember the incredible woman she was on Friday, May 8th receiving friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. with a funeral following at 1:00 p.m. by Pastor Bobby Brumfiield and Pastor John Moxley at the Finch and Finch Chapel with interment to follow at the Altavista Memorial Park. The family greatly appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. Though Laura is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center at UVA Health in Laura's loving memory. Donations may be made through the UVA Health Foundation website at or mailed to UVA Health Development, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0773. Laura also known as "Mama" "Mom," "Grandma Dudley", Granny, Sister, Sister-In-Law, Aunt will always be remembered for her warmest hugs, holding hands and was truly the heart of our family. "Her Lord said unto her, 'Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." ~Matthew 25:23 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 8:38-39 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." ~Psalm 23:1 "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." ~Thomas Moore

Laura Eades Dudley

June 10, 1932 - May 4, 2026