Dudley Brett Wiltshire

Dudley Brett Wiltshire, 92, lifelong resident of Richmond, passed away Friday, March 4, at her home at Westminster Canterbury. Survivors include her sons, James Christopher Wiltshire (Michelle) and Curtis Brett Wiltshire (Shelly), and her beloved grandchildren, Brett, James, and Brian Wiltshire (Elizabeth Bracken), Katherine Wiltshire Day (Robert), and Rachel and Rebecca Naurath. Dudley’s sisters-in-law, Jean Wiltshire Lane and Suzanne Prillaman Wiltshire and their families also survive her. Her husband of 54 years, James Merrill Wiltshire, Jr., and brothers-in-law Edward E. Lane and Charles F. Wiltshire predeceased her.

Born in Richmond on May 1, 1929, Dudley was the devoted daughter of the late R. Houston and Minnie F. Brett. After graduating from Mary Washington College, Dudley married James Merrill Wiltshire, Jr. in 1952 and taught elementary school before starting a family. Dudley was a deeply committed charter member of Reveille United Methodist Church and contributed to her church home in countless ways over her lifetime, including teaching Sunday School, participating in women’s circles and Bible studies, and serving on the Altar Guild and as one of the first Stephen Ministers commissioned at Reveille. Her community volunteer work included service on the Senior Board of the Children’s Hospital Foundation and on the VMFA Council. Dudley was a member of The Woman’s Club, The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, Huguenot Investors, and The Country Club of Virginia. Dudley delighted in her many friends, to whom she was exceptionally loyal, generous, and kind. She relished a good game of bridge. Dudley loved going on trips with friends and family and was an enthusiastic, adventurous travel companion. Her sense of humor, playfulness, genuine interest in people and sharp mind kept her ageless to all who knew her.

There will be a service to honor Dudley’s memory on Friday, March 18 at 2:00 pm in the Reveille United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reveille United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.