Matilda Bowen Dudley Obituary (1928 - 2020)

Matilda Bowen Dudley transitioned from this earthy life to her eternal life on Jan. 18, 2020. Matilda (Tillie) was born August 1, 1928 to the late Simon Bowen and the late Ola Mae (Goolsby) in Macon, GA. She was the 8th child of 9 children to this union. Matilda received her formal education and graduated from Hudson High School. She accepted Christ at a young age. She met her high school sweetheart while attending Hudson High School. On Sept. 26, 1948 she married her high school sweetheart, Robert G. Dudley Jr., who preceded her in death. Matilda was a loving, caring, and devoted wife till the Lord called Robert home in October 2016. The marriage was blessed with six children, Robert III (deceased), Alfred R., Gary, Sandra E., Melvin G., and Melonice C. Matilda was a housewife and had a very short employment history. She spent 3 years working at Fulton Elementary school in San Diego, CA as a teacher aid and yard duty aid. This brought her great joy to be able to be with her 2 youngest children during there last 3 years of attending elementary. Matilda married a military man which required her to relocate to different cities during his military career. In 1966, Matilda and family relocated to San Diego, CA. During this time their family united with Calvary Baptist Church, in San Diego, CA., under the leadership of the late Rev. S. M. Lockridge, where she served faithfully as a deaconess and song in the Sanctuary choir. Matilda and Robert decided to relocate to Sacramento, CA where they united with St. Paul Baptist church under the leadership of Dr. Ephraim Williams; once again she faithfully served as a deaconess and song in the choir. Matilda and Robert relocated for the last time to Round Rock TX. They joined the St. James Missionary Baptist Church family and continued being a faithful servant till Robert was called home to glory and Matilda illness progressed. Matilda was always known to all who knew her to be one of the sweetess person you could ever meet. She had a gentle smile, gentle voice, and always made you feel loved. She was a loving, caring, warm, compassionate wife, supportive mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and aunt. She leaves to treasure her memories, her children, Alfred Dudley of Sacramento, CA, Gary (Cathy) Dudley of Sacramento CA, Sandra (James) Gibson of Round Rock, TX, Melvin (Robyn) Dudley of San Jose, CA and Melonice Dudley of Round Rock, TX. Grandchildren; Sonseree Gibson, James Gibson III both of Round Rock TX., Jelani Robinson of Los Angeles, Christopher Dudley, Matthew Dudley both of San Diego, CA. Robert Dudley IV of San Diego, CA, Jason Dudley of Colorado, Elias Dudley, Lewis Dudley of San Jos, CA and Lena Dudley of Chicago, and five great grand-children. In-laws; Carl(Dora) Dudley, Maryann(Willie) Nelson , Lois Dudley , Claudine Dudley and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.