Life & Legacy

Melvin James Dudley was born to proud parents, James William Dudley and Mildred Crawford Dudley, on January 30, 1955, in Monroe, Louisiana. Melvin was the third of four children. He grew up on Magnolia Street with his siblings Albert James Jackson, Gloria Jackson Omigie, Charles Bernard Dudley, and his maternal and loving grandmother, Elizabeth Doretha Crawford.

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~1960 to 1974~

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Melvin was a precocious child who loved singing, dancing, and entertaining family members. He attended J. S. Clark Elementary and Junior High Schools. Melvin accepted Christ at 12 years old. His Christian experience was shaped by the Macedonia Baptist Church under Pastor John Russell, Sr. and the nurturing and teaching of his grandmother.                    

 

During high school, Melvin excelled as a bass singer and was selected to join the 1972 Northeast Louisiana University All-State Chorus and Orchestra. His vocals were included on the group’s album.  

 

Melvin graduated from Neville High School early in the integration of the public school system. He saw injustice toward students of color and organized a group of seniors to protest the lack of representation in the senior homecoming selections. Due to his persistence, he was the only senior not permitted to march in the graduation services. Instead, his diploma was mailed to him in the summer of 1973. While this disappointed Melvin, he recognized that his actions had laid the groundwork for the acknowledgement of students of color coming after him.  

 

After graduating high school, Melvin spent his summers working in New Orleans, Louisiana. He fell in love with the city, music, and culture. He lived with his endearing Aunt Early Mae Dillon, who was instrumental in teaching and sharing wisdom regarding life experiences.

 

After returning home to Monroe, Melvin planned to play football at Northeast Louisiana University (University of Louisiana Monroe). However, an injury kept him off the field. He ultimately transitioned to a music scholarship, thanks to his bass singing voice. Melvin was also involved in drama and performed in plays throughout the city. He often performed one of his favorite pieces of poetry, "God's Trombones" by James Weldon Johnson, in churches. He continued his activism throughout college, fighting for the rights and representation of Black students.

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~1975 to 1990~

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In 1975, Melvin met Brenda Moy at the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated debutante ball. The pair began dating in early 1976 and became engaged in August 1978. Before the wedding, Melvin temporarily moved to Houston to explore whether the city would serve as a place for him and his fiancée to build a life together. His great uncle and great aunt, Jimmie and Emma Overton, welcomed him with open arms.

 

On August 26, 1978, Melvin and Brenda married in Monroe, Louisiana. Melvin serenaded his bride by singing "Always and Forever" by Heatwave. The newly married couple moved to Houston, Texas, in short order. Melvin was employed in the oil and gas industry. For many years, he worked as a quality control field inspector with TRW Mission. When TRW closed, he transitioned to the Metropolitan Transit Authority and later retired.

 

Over the next decade, Melvin and Brenda Dudley welcomed two sons, Christopher Melvin Dudley (1982) and Jeremy James Dudley (1987). Melvin was a present, devoted, and loving father. He was heavily involved in the school system and served on various committees to support his sons, as well as mentor and assist others.               

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~1990 to 2024~

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In 1996, Melvin became an ordained Deacon at McGee Chapel Baptist Church. He taught the Baptist Training Union (BTU) and grew his passion for teaching and mentoring young men. Melvin accepted his calling into the ministry and preached his first sermon on June 19, 1997. Melvin and his family joined The Church Without Walls under the leadership of Pastor Ralph Douglas West, Sr. on January 21, 2001 where they would remain members for over 23 years. Melvin immediately began to serve in Christian Education – facilitating and teaching classes in Momentum Men and Firm Foundation. One of Reverend Dudley’s greatest accomplishments was assisting his brother in the faith, Pastor Rick Epps, in founding True Grace Bible Church where he served as Associate Pastor.

 

After assisting with establishing True Grace Bible Church, Reverend Dudley returned to The Church Without Walls to begin serving in Christian Education, Men’s Ministry, Kerygma and Pastoral Care. When asked to assist Pastor James Walker of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Hockley, Texas, during his illness, he served as Interim Pastor until Rev. Walker’s return. 

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Melvin’s heart for men’s ministry led him to teach hundreds of men while serving in ministry. On March 9, 2003, Melvin received his Ordination/Minister of Christ and he continued his growth in the Word of God and graduated from The College of Biblical Studies in April 2007. 

 

Melvin became a "Papa" as he welcomed three grandsons into the world, Evan Christopher Dudley (2015), Ean Cole Dudley (2021), and Christian Jeremy Dudley (2023). The joy of his day was seeing his grandsons; he loved them dearly.  

 

Despite facing health challenges, Melvin stayed committed to reaching out, praying, and singing to family and friends. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

 

Melvin was preceded in death by his loving parents, James William Dudley and Mildred Crawford Dudley.

 

He is survived by an endearing family and lasting friends. He built a blessed life with his beloved wife of 45 years, Brenda Moy Dudley. He leaves a lasting legacy through his sons Dr. Christopher Melvin Dudley (Porsha) and Minister Jeremy James Dudley (Shanriell). Left to treasure Melvin’s memory are his grandsons, Evan Christopher Dudley, Ean Cole Dudley, and Christian Jeremy Dudley, his brothers and sister, Albert James Jackson, Jr. (Barbara), Gloria Jackson Omigie (Augustine), and Charles Bernard Dudley (Edna), his aunts, Mary Dudley Staten and Early Mae Dillion, his friend and bonus brother, Larry Griffin, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

 

Broken Chains by Ron Tanner

“We little knew that morning, God was to call your name

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.

But as God call us one by one, the chain will link again.”