August 11, 2021
Emma Jean Dudney age 84 of Smithville passed away Wednesday morning, August 11, 2021 at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. She was born March 16, 1937 to her parents, the late Troy Edward and Mary Alice Danner Wilmoth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Dudney. Emma Jean had a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and a Master’s degree in Education. She taught Home Demonstration, having taught at Center Hill Academy and DeKalb Middle School. She worked at the UT Extension Service in Morgan and DeKalb Counties. Mrs. Dudney was the owner of Grandandies Kids Shop for many years. She served as the craft director of the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and Craft’s Festival for many years and was a member of the DeKalb County Retired Teachers, F.C.E. Club, Study Club, Red Hat Society and the Smithville Church of Christ. Emma Jean was a woman that loved God, family and her community and was faithful to them all. She leaves to cherish her memory, twin daughters, Janet (Brian) England of Smithville and Susan (Brian) Berry of Cookeville; four grandchildren, Laura (Brandon) Ross of Lawton, OK, Brandon (Sara) Shaw of Baxter, Ethan (Rachel) Shaw of Baxter, Dylan Shaw of Silver Point; three great-grandchildren, Carson and Adah Shaw and Charles Ross; cousin, Bruce Bilbrey of Dale Hollow. Funeral services will be conducted 11:AM Saturday, August 14, 2021 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Dan Gulley officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Saturday 9:AM until the time of the service at 11:AM. In addition to flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Fund, in memory of Mrs. Emma Jean. The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and no food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.