Dorothy Mae Duddleston

Dorothy Mae Smith Duddleston, 96, of Lake Charles entered into the Kingdom of Heaven, Monday, November 18, 2019.

Mrs. Duddleston was born August 30, 1923 to Francis and Lorena Comeaux Smith in Sunset, LA, where she was raised until moving to New Orleans to work as a “Rosie the Riveter” welder during the World War II era. It was there that she caught the eye of a young Texas welder who would help roll up her welding leads at the end of each day. She then fell in love with this young gentleman, and they married. She lived in many places throughout Louisiana and Texas, following her husband’s career, until finally making Cameron Parish her home. Mrs. Duddleston worked for the family business, Duddleston’s Welding as a bookkeeper, however, her greatest accomplishment was her influence in raising her family. She opened her heart and her home to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, their friends and was “Maw” to countless many. Her passion was fishing as she often ended her day of domestic duties, as well as anytime given the opportunity, fishing on the river bank. She also enjoyed hunting, winning at bingo, visiting her family both near and far, and dancing. Mrs. Duddleston was a devout Catholic, having prayed the rosary daily, and prayed for her family daily; devoting her life, love and trust in her Lord and Savior. An admirable woman across all generations, she will be most remembered as a timeless lady of faith, prayer, and family.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Glenn Duddleston and companion Sue Jones of Grand Chenier; three daughters, Charlotte Nunez and husband Kenneth of Grand Chenier, Donna Marceaux and husband James of Lake Charles, and Diane Leger and husband Marvin Joe of Liberty, TX; eight grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Nelson Duddleston Jr.; two sons, James Donald Duddleston and Marvin Frank Duddleston; one grandson, James Charles Duddleston; daughter-in-law, Virginia Duddleston; parents; three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, November 22, 2019 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Father Wayne LeBleu will officiate. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation Thursday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Friday will be from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM in the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the Resthaven nurses and nurses aides for the kindness and compassion shown to Mrs. Dot.