Obituaries

Jane Douthit Dudley, 87, of El Dorado passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home.

Born July 19, 1937, in Hartman, Johnson County, Arkansas she was the daughter of Gerald and Allene Evans Douthit who preceded her in death. Jane was raised in Clarksville, Arkansas, where she excelled in baton twirling and rescuing swimmers as a lifeguard. She was crowned Queen Elberta XIII of the Johnson County Peach Festival in 1954. In 1958, she transferred from College of the Ozarks to the University of Arkansas and joined the Pi Phi sorority. In an abnormal psychology class, she met her future husband, Robert Dudley. Jane and Robert were married on August 28,1959. After a brief detour to Wichita Falls, TX, where Joan was born, the family moved to El Dorado. Jane enjoyed ping pong, tennis, bridge, church, Pierian Club, and working in the yard.

Most of all, Jane loved people. She loved them so much she went back to school at 45, earned her master’s degree in social work, and worked as a social worker for 12 years helping others in need. She especially loved children, who knew her as “Miss Jane”. If you spent any time around her, we are sorry for your loss. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of El Dorado.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Robert Dudley, Sr. of El Dorado, her brother, Carl Douthit (Dixie), sister-in-law Joan Dudley, daughter, Joan (Erik), son, Robert Jr. (Vada). Surviving grandsons are Owen and John Ostermueller and Calvin and Henry Dudley, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2024, at Young's Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Allen Crum officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery in Alexander, AR under the direction of Young's Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.