Nancy Ella Taylor Dudley, 83, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Nancy grew up on a large farm that her great grandfather acquired in the small community of Lunsford, Arkansas. Nancy is a direct descendant of A.F. Taylor, pioneer, Confederate soldier, and one of the first men to blaze a trail into what is currently known as Craighead County.

She attended and graduated from Bay High School then married the love of her life, William E. Dudley spending 64 years together. They built a life centered around faith, family, and devotion to one another.

Nancy worked for many years at Arkansas State University before retiring. She also served her community as a member of the Trumann City Council for two terms. In addition, she worked alongside her husband in their local real estate and appraisal business.

She loved spending time at the beach and the lake and adored her precious cat, Maggie. Nancy was a Christian of the Baptist faith and was devoted to her husband and family, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her husband, William Edwin Dudley of Jonesboro; her children, William Brian Dudley (Renae) of Jonesboro and Paula C Holmes (Mark) of Jonesboro; her grandchildren, Chris Dudley of Harrisburg, Corinne Smith (Dakota) of Walcott, Abbey Pinkston (Seth) of Jonesboro, Darah Vericker (Steven) of Bay; and Hallie Renae Loggins of Ravenden: and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Commander Mary Taylor Flynn Nurse Corps, USN (Ret.) of Newport, Rhode Island, and Sarah Nichols (Randy) of Isola, Mississippi. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Magnolia Taylor of Lunsford; her sister, Virginia Taylor Block of Jacksonville, Florida; and her grandson, Taylor Loggins. She will be laid to rest in the Dudley family plot at Oak Lawn Cemetery. 

A private graveside service will be conducted by Emerson Funeral Home, with Bro. Darrel Miller officiating.