WILMINGTON — Vernita (Nita) Denise Dudley, born June 4, 1961, passed away at the age of 65 on August 27, 2026 at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Born in Whiteville, North Carolina in 1961, Vernita lived a full and meaningful life marked by her dedication to faith, kindness, curiosity, and an ever-present sense of gratitude.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Vernita was an active member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Willard, NC. Her belief in community and generosity brought people together and enriched so many lives. She was known for her constant smile and making friends wherever she went.
Nita had a remarkable love of learning and never stopped seeking new experiences. She embraced life with joy and enthusiasm; singing, exploring baking, massage therapy, meditation and Reiki classes, as well as various art activities. Famously, she entered a pie baking contest without ever having baked a pie and won first place!
Nita is survived by her mother, Annie Pearl Mary Frances Shipman Dudley; father, Saul Dudley Sr; sisters, Linda Dudley, Felicia (Eldred) Jones; and a host of nieces and nephew, and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her brothers, James Dudley, and Saul Dudley, Jr.
She had a way of finding joy in the ordinary, welcoming people with warmth, and making others feel at ease. Her life was filled with adventures and accomplishments but her greatest pride was being the mother to her children Edward Kelly Jr, Jonathan Sutton, and Jazzmone Sutton. They were her heart and greatest joy. The love that she had for them will remain one of her most enduring legacies.
A celebration of Vernita’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, in honor of Vernita’s life that exemplified love, laughter and generosity.
