Charlotte Dudley

Charlotte Ann LeBlanc Dudley, age 86, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born on October 7, 1934, to Maxceman and Pauline LeBlanc in Orange County, Texas. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before attending Lamar State College of Technology where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology in 1955. On May 19, 1956, Charlotte married Harry Joseph Dyson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Orange, TX. They lived in North Little Rock, AR, for a short time before Harry, who was enlisted in the Air Force, was stationed in Spain. During their time in Spain, they enjoyed seeing the sights, making new friends, and having the first two of their five children, Dean (’57) and Donya (’59). In 1960, they moved stateside to Austin, TX, where they could provide better educational opportunities for their children at Texas School for the Deaf. Meanwhile, they welcomed three more boys to their boisterous family – Danny (’60), Darryl (’61) and Don (’63).

Charlotte was a devout Catholic and very active in her church, particularly at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, where she worked in the faith formation program for the deaf and was an assistant director for the program. She was quite literally the hands of Christ using her gifts to spread His love. Her faith was a gift to her family, friends, and all of those who benefited from her work at the church.When Harry was diagnosed with cancer, Charlotte was at his side until the very end. After all, they had shared so much in their almost 34 years of marriage – new adventures starting out, family, friends, travel, trials and tribulations, highs and lows. Their children are a legacy to their faith in God, unconditional love and service to others.

Charlotte was given another chance at love when an old flame from her youth, Ray Dudley, came back into her life. This relationship blossomed, and on October 8, 1994, Charlotte and Ray were married in Austin in the presence of her beloved family and friends. This began a new chapter of Charlotte’s life and an even bigger family, as now, it included Ray’s children and grandchildren.Charlotte and Ray built a house in Bastrop that would become the gathering place for many visits with family and friends through their 26 years of marriage. This was home, the gathering place, for her family, even though they were now living from coast to coast and throughout the world. Charlotte made this place home for whomever entered.  Having the family together on holidays was always a highlight for her year and is evident by all of the family pictures. Many fond memories of playing board games, preparing large feasts, sharing stories, laughter and hugs will be cherished by Ray, her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Charlotte enjoyed travelling with Ray and seeing the beautiful sights of California, Hawaii, Branson, Florida, to name a few. Above all, she loved visiting family and friends throughout the country – watching grandkids play baseball or soccer, acting in a play, or just playing games with them! Charlotte was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family so completely.  She showed her family how to love as God loves us – unconditionally.  Her example of faith in God and freely giving of herself to help others will always be an inspiration to her children to live selflessly and be an example to the next generation.  Charlotte treated everyone with warmth and respect and was always ready with a smile and a kind word.  Her legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents, Maxceman Joseph LeBlanc and Pauline Hatchett LeBlanc; husband of 33 years, Harry Joseph Dyson; granddaughter, Katrina Murray; and sisters, Beatrice DuChamp and Joyce Broussard.

Charlotte is survived by husband, Ray Dudley of Bastrop; children, Dean Dyson of Cedar Park; Donya (Patrick) Murray of Clermont, FL; Danny (Kathleen) Dyson of Austin; Darryl (Jennifer) Dyson of North Richland Hills; and Don (Lori) Dyson of Denison; grandchildren, Joseph (Joey) Dyson, Jr (Lainey); Julian Patrick Murray (Selicia); Stephanie Dyson West (Josh); Joshua Dyson (Jessica); Jonathan Dyson (Lizz); Mark Murray; Jared Dyson (Kaitlynn); Clarice Dyson Satrio (Martin) and Michael Dyson; great grandchildren, Taylor Grace Dyson (Joey); Riley, Remington and Raelynn West (Stephanie); Emerson Dyson (Joshua); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 4th in Ascension Catholic Church.  The Rev. Ramiro Tarazona will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, http://www.curealz.org