"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 First Lady Clara Osbourne Dudley of Riceboro, Georgia transitioned to her heavenly home on January 15, 2021. First Lady Clara was born in Sunbury, Georgia on August 19, 1951 to the late James and Eletha "Julie" Anderson Osborne. She is preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene (Annette) Osborne, James Osborne and Henry Osborne as well as two sisters Eletha Mae Chip and Evelyn O. (Charlie) Stevens. First Lady Clara Osbourne graduated from Liberty County High School in Midway, Georgia in 1970. After graduating high school, she attended Myers School of Beauty Culture and graduated on May 27, 1979 with a certificate of cosmetology. In addition to cosmetology First Lady Clara drove buses for the Liberty County School system for over 12 years. With cosmetology being her passion, she would often do hair at the Midway nursing home as well as the Dorchester Funeral Home. First Lady Clara gave her life to the Lord at Riceboro Church of God under the leadership of Reverend Willie Anderson Sr. She was a faithful member for over 20 years where she served in many capacities as Sunday school teacher, Superintendent, choir member, usher, youth department member and Missionary. In 1991 she met and married Melvin L. Dudley Sr. The couple transitioned in ministry to Freeman Grove New Church of Christ in Freeman Grove, GA under the leadership of Pastor Freddie Chisholm and later to Smith Temple Church in Bryan County, Georgia under the leadership of Prophet Jeremiah Dudley. The Lord called Pastor Melvin and Evangelist Clara Dudley to establish the ministry of Calvary Apostolic Temple in Riceboro Georgia. First Lady Clara evangelized, served as Superintendent, taught Sunday school, performed custodial duties, sang in the choir, served as treasurer and established the Calvary Connection Women's ministry. First Lady Clara nurtured, corrected, loved and faithfully led many souls to the Lord for 20 years until her heavenly transition. Left with memories of love are her beloved husband Bishop Melvin L. Dudley, Sr. and her six children Abdul Relaford of Atlanta, GA; Marilyn Relaford of Hinesville, GA; Melvin L. (Barbara) Dudley, Jr. of Albany, GA; Tyrone Dudley of Atlanta, GA; Mary L. (Tyrone) Anderson, Fleming, GA; and Lillie R. Dudley of Riceboro, GA as well as fifteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren (2 on the way). Also left with memories are siblings Ezekial (Debbie) Osborne, Hattie Osborne, Beatrice Osborne, John (Wilhemenia) Osborne, sister-in-law Beverly Osborne. Our beloved First Lady Clara Osborne Dudley will be missed by a host of brothers-in-love, sisters-in-love, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, church families and friends.
Services 22 Jan
Visitation 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM The Dorchester Funeral Home
7842 East Oglethorpe Hwy
Midway, GA 31320 23 Jan
Funeral Service 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Liberty Tabernacle
1272 Kelly Dr
Hinesville, , GA 31313
23 Jan
Interment Sunbury Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
512 Trade Hill Road
Midway, GA 31320