Odessa Dudley

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the homegoing of our beloved Odessa Dudley, affectionately known as Momma, Grandma Dessa, Auntie, and Cat. Odessa Dudley, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on April 2, 2026 in her home.

Odessa was born on June 2, 1932, in Boyle, Mississippi to Stella and Ed Owens, as one of fifteen children in a large and loving family. From those early beginnings, she carried a spirit of resilience, strength, and warmth that would touch generations to come.

She later married Sam Dudley, and together they moved to Peoria, Illinois, where she built a life centered around faith, family, and community. Sam preceded her in death.

Odessa was a proud and devoted mother of eight children. She leaves to cherish her memory four loving children: Larry (Sandra) Dudley, Sylvester “Terry” Dudley, Sam “Jr” (Dareen) Dudley, and Terra “Mookie” (DeAndre Marks) Dudley. She was preceded in death by her beloved children Gloria “Faye” Burcham, Barbara McLeod, LeVera (John) Dismuke, and Tammy Davis.

She is also survived by four siblings: Ira Owens (Arizona), Willie (Dorothy) Owens (Chicago), Minnie “Pearl” Fice (Iowa), and Oscar Owens (Iowa), along with 19 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Odessa dedicated 25 years of service to Caterpillar before retiring, leaving behind a reputation of hard work and commitment. She was a faithful member of Sovereign Grace Church and served proudly on the United Usher Board. Her love for the Lord was the foundation of her life. She read her Bible from front to back multiple times and lived in a way that reflected Christ’s love and grace. Truly, she was an earth angel among us.

Known for her incredible talents, Odessa was a woman who could do it all. There wasn’t a project she couldn’t master, whether it was completing a 20,000-piece puzzle, fully gutting and rebuilding her kitchen, or even reassembling a flat screen TV. Her hands were gifted, and her determination unmatched.

But more than anything, Odessa loved people. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always welcoming. She found joy in bringing others together, hosting holidays with over 50 guests, laughing, cooking, and creating memories that will live on forever. She loved her children, their friends, and everyone she encountered as if they were her own.

She shared a special bond with her best friend, Berline Purifoy, a friendship filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Odessa will always be remembered for her radiant smile, her joyful laugh, her unwavering faith, and her boundless love. She poured into others endlessly and leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Funeral Service in honor of Odessa will be held on April 10, 2026, at Rising Sun Christian Church located at 4310 W Charter Oak Rd in Peoria, IL at 11:00 a.m. with a Visitation taking place prior from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Committal service will take place at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, IL

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com