Mary Lois Dudley

October 23, 1941 - February 7, 2021

Mary Lois White Dudley, age 79 of Rising Star passed away, Sunday, February 07, 2021 in Abilene.  A private family graveside service was held due to weather conditions and the current concerns for public gatherings with Covid-19, but a Celebration of life service will be announced at a later date for friends and family. Mary was born October 23, 1941 to Oscar David and Cora May (Greenwood) White in Rising Star, Texas.    She married Harold Dudley on October 29, 1960 at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Texas.  Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rising Star.  Mary Lois was a US rural mail carrier for 30 years on rural route 2 in Rising Star.  Prior to being a postal lady, she and Harold farmed, custom harvested and owned/operated the Dudley’s Star Drive-in Restaurant in Rising Star for several years and worked side by side.   Mary served many years until her death on the Long Branch Cemetery Trustees Board.  Mary Lois attended Rising Star ISD until her graduation in 1960.  She maintained life-long friendships with many of her classmates and always enjoyed the annual homecoming reunions.  Mary Lois was elected as Miss Rising Star in 1959-1960 by the Rising Star Chamber of Commerce.  During high school, Mary Lois was a majorette, cheerleader, band member, class officer and forever a Rising Star Wildcat! Mary Lois is survived by her husband Harold of 60 years; daughter, Amy Stanley and husband Freddy of Brownwood; son, Shannon (Shan)Dudley and wife Amy D. of Rising Star; and three wonderful grandchildren, Ryan Dudley, Justin Stanley & Kayla Stanley; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Lois was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers: Oscar “Hop” White, Derrell White, Larry White, 2 sisters Edythe White Morrow, Joy White and one child at birth, Charles David Dudley. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations can be made to the Long Branch Cemetery, Pat Grogan, 901 CR 280, Carbon, TX 76435. Online condolences, tributes and memorials can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net