Mary Martin

Dugdale

A Celebration of life service for Mary Martin Dugdale, age 87 of Choudrant, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 16, 2026 at Cook Baptist Church with Rev. Nathan Taylor and Rev. Joseph Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Sibley Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Mary was born on December 12, 1938 in Ruston, LA to Bill and Hattie May Martin and she passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026 in Choudrant, LA. Mary married the love of her life, James Henry Dugdale, of Choudrant, LA on December 24, 1955 at Calvary Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. Mary transferred from Ruston High School to Choudrant High School where she graduated in 1956. Mary and James had three daughters, Teresa Ann in 1960, Mary Elizabeth “Libby” in 1963, and Amy Lynn in 1970. In 1971, Mary and James built their home in Choudrant that they would live in together for the next 55 years.

During her younger years, Mary served as the secretary for the presidents of Ruston State Bank and then Lincoln Bank. She later worked in the Medical Records department of Lincoln General Hospital. While she was a hard worker, her greatest work was caring for her husband and raising her daughters. She was an incredible cook, a skilled seamstress, and always loved

gardening whether it was fruit, vegetables, or flowers!

Mary and James always loved to have fun together and with family and friends. Over the years, they had many close friends through their love of camping. They were active members of a RV camping club. They loved southern gospel music, always had a quartet on the TV, and frequently attended the National Quartet Convention. They loved traveling - from Pigeon Forge to Branson to watching the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. But their favorite traveling was to see their kids and grandkids. They frequently traveled to Texas and, more recently, Canada to visit family. They had just returned in late October from visiting their grandson, Nathan Taylor and his family, who are church-planters near Calgary. She was an avid fisher, frequently fishing the pond on their property. Mary loved to play board games, dominoes, and card games. But her favorite was cards-and-marbles. She loved to play with her friends, but especially with her grandchildren. She was a vicious cards-and-marbles player!

Mary’s greatest passion, though, was her love for her Lord and Savior. While Mary and James were always faithful to attend and serve in churches during their marriage, in 1981 she realized she was lacking an authentic relationship with God. As an adult, Mary professed her faith in Jesus, repented, and became a true follower of Christ. Her favorite Bible verse was 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” She was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she and her family faithfully attended and served for several years. During their time at Emmanuel, she and James were active in the youth and puppet ministries. In 1986, Mary and James began attending Cook Baptist Church where they faithfully attended and served for the past 40 years. Mary and James served in many ministries throughout the years, including teaching at Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, deacon ministry, mission trips, and prayer ministry. The week before her passing, she and James hosted one of the weekly prayer meetings at their home. During their earlier years, they hosted an annual New Year’s Eve party at their home!

Mary was preceded in death by her father, J.W. “Bill” Martin; mother, Hattie May Martin; brother Leonard Martin and sister-in-law Betty Jean Martin; brother, Bill Martin; sister Bettye James and brother-in-law Jimmy Ball; brother-in-law Curtis Dugdale and his wife Francis Dugdale; brother-in-law, Joe Dugdale; and brother-in-law, Eddie Ray Hammons.

She is survived by her beloved husband of more than 70 years, James Henry Dugdale; and her three daughters, Teresa Daniel and husband Kevin, Mary Elizabeth “Libby” O’Neal and husband Robert, and Amy Taylor and husband Mark. She is also survived by her grandchildren: James “Eric” Daniel and wife Jessica; Rachel Webb and husband Clint; Sarah Cruz and husband Mitchel; Luke Taylor and wife Meghan; Nathan Taylor and wife Emily; Robyn Cheatham and husband Thomas; Aaron Taylor and wife Preslie; Alexander “Alex” Faucheux and wife Alexis; Austin O’Neal and wife Nicole; and Katelynn Taylor. Her great-grandchildren include Isaac and Caroline Daniel; Eliana Smith; Stacy, Micah, Charlotte, Caden, Sydney, and Seraphine Webb; Jacob, Landon, and Noah Cruz; Brooks and Scottie Taylor; Melody, Madilynn, and John Mark Taylor; Miles and Georgia Taylor; and Jace and Amanda Faucheux. She is also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Sofia Dwairi. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Chris Martin, Bertie Hammons, Glenda Dugdale, and Judy Williams and her husband Jimmy; her brother-in-law, Ted James; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary Jean Martin Dugdale was known for her love for God, her family, and her friends. While her passing causes sadness for many who loved her, especially those who call her “Nani,” we can be confident and have joy in the knowledge that she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus. On November 12, Mary Dugdale stepped out of this life and into eternity and no doubt heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Visitation will be held at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston, LA on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 12:30 PM until time of service. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit: www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com