Jimmie Nell Hughes Dudley, 78, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, while surrounded by love.  She will be forever sorely missed.

Jimmie was born on May 22, 1943, in Greenville, MS, to the late James and Nell Hughes. Her father was a crop duster and built his planes on their property in Winchester, Arkansas.

Jimmie’s father passed away unexpectedly at age 38 and her mother moved the family back to Greenville after his death. Jimmie remained in Greenville until she became a military wife in October 1960.  The Navy took her family to San Diego, CA; Charleston, SC; Vallejo, CA; Kaneohe Bay, HI, and back to Charleston.  San Diego was the first place the family was stationed, and it remained her favorite place on earth throughout her life.  She was thrilled to return to San Diego for a vacation in 2018 with her daughter, Jimi.  They enjoyed visiting Jimmie’s old neighborhood and all that southern California has to offer.

Jimmie married Walter Dudley in 1980.  Walt’s job took them to Scotland several times in the 1980s and early 90s. She enjoyed the experience of living overseas and was in Scotland during the Royal Wedding in 1981.  She always spoke of the connection she had with Walt and how he made her feel truly and deeply loved throughout their marriage.

Jimmie worked for several years at Baptist College and a prominent law office in Charleston. She worked as an apartment resident manager in Virginia and Hilton Head, SC, and was loved by all her residents.  She had a great work ethic, whether working as a stay-at-home Mom or working outside the home.

Jimmie had a great sense of humor and a presence of joy and was always the happiest, most adventurous, fun person at any gathering.  She loved being at the ballfield when her son Scott was a young boy and watching him shine playing baseball.  She was an avid crafter and she enjoyed making Christmas ornaments every year for each of her family members. Jimmie could sew anything!  She sewed her children’s clothes, bridesmaid’s dresses for her daughter Lisa’s wedding, homecoming and flower girl gowns and aprons for her granddaughters to play restaurant; and they all had the tag “Made with Love by Mommy/Mammy”!  

Jimmie enjoyed reading and sharing her favorite books with her grandchildren. She loved traveling with her daughter, Jimi to New York City and San Diego, or even a day shopping and going out to eat. She adored animals, working puzzles, and keeping up with her favorite shows. She loved lemons and in her final months ate at least one lemon daily. Jimmie had a green thumb and could grow beautiful plants out of the smallest clippings. She was strong in her faith and knew God’s love. She was a devoted wife, mother, and Mammy. She was passionate about life and loved her family dearly.

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Ellen Hughes.  She is survived by her loving husband, Walt; children Lisa Cornett (Tim); Scott Williams of SC; Jimi Mingee (Mike) of Charles City, VA; grandchildren Rebekah Collins; Jed Collins (Kendra); Mallaree Niner (Aaron); Haylee Robinson (Andrew) and Bailey Rose Williams; great-grandchildren Makenna, Olivia, Riley, Tripp Collins and William and Naomi Niner; and two nieces and three nephews.
Forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace Mama.

A memorial will be held on May 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.