Leila Frances (Bell) Dudley

Leila Frances (Bell) Dudley, 92, of New Bern, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022. Leila was born in Jones County, North Carolina on January 3, 1930 to the late Charlie James and Verona Meadows Bell.

Leila wore many hats during her lifetime. She was an accomplished seamstress. She could take a simple pattern and turn it into something extraordinary. If she needed something built or repaired out came the hammer and nails. She always said if you want something done right do it yourself. Flowers were also one of her passions. If she ever saw one she didn’t have you can bet she found a way to get a cutting to take home. Gardening also managed to fit in. She dearly loved a fresh tomato and cucumber. Her greatest accomplishment will always be her family. The biggest love in her life She would tell you without hesitation was her four legged spoiled rotten miniature poodle Teddy whom she spent almost 14 years loving and caring for She would tell everyone that Teddy was her soulmate and Teddy had her well trained and she loved every minute they had together.

She is survived by 3 children Kay Dudley Lupton (Brent ) Jasper ( Jay)Dudley Jr. and Brian Dudley ( Susan) all residing in New Bern North Carolina, also her only remaining Brother James Bell (Nancy) of Pollocksville, NC. and she was blessed with 9 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great Great Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by Her Husband Jasper Dudley and oldest daughter Joyce Dudley Eborn and 2 younger brothers Ottis and Kenneth Bell.

The Family Thanks the Staff at Carolina east medical center for taking care of Her and honoring her wishes.

In lieu of flowers you can make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

The Family will hold a celebration of life at a later date and she will be laid to rest next to Her Husband in Greenleaf Memorial Pak Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Leila (Bell) Dudley.