Linda Motley Dudley, 80, a former resident of the Chatham, VA community, passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side at Forsyth Medical Center Hospital, Winston-Salem, NC on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Linda was born in Danville, VA to the late Oakley Douglas Motley and the late Eva Richardson Motley. She spent her early years in the Chatham area, where she graduated from Chatham High School and Averett College (later named Averett University). After receiving her undergraduate degree from Averett, Linda attended UNC-Chapel Hill, NC where she earned her Doctorate in Psychology. Until her retirement in 2019, Linda was a Psychology Professor and Department Head at Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC.

Linda was married to the love of her life, the late Barry S. Dudley, and while the couple had no children of their own, Linda was a devoted lover of animals, especially cats. Over the years, she rescued many cats and provided a home and sanctuary to them. Her favorite was Simeon, whom she loved dearly.

Linda had a great sense of humor and loved to see her extended family on holidays and other special occasions. In addition to her animal friends, she loved her family without end. Left to remember Linda and the life she lived are her many extended family members, including a brother-in-law, Robert L. Swain of Newport News, VA; sister-in-law, Ronda Thomas of VA; cousins, Pamela Moschler of Chatham, Susan Moschler of Danville, and Peggy Amos of VA; niece, Susan S. Montgomery (Monty) of Newport News, VA; nephew, Robert. L. Swain, Jr.(Ashley) of Yorktown, VA; great-nephews, Logan Montgomery of Mechanicsville, VA and Emerson Swain, of Yorktown, VA; great-nieces, Caitlin Hubler (Henry) of Atlanta, GA and McKenna Swain of Yorktown, VA; and great-great niece Charlotte Hubler of Atlanta, GA;

In addition to her parents and husband, Linda was predeceased by her beloved sister, Sandra Motley Swain.

While not relatives, the family would like to sincerely thank Robin Plott and the many caregivers who “adopted” Linda as a mother and sister. They took excellent care of her over the past several years. They were all so precious to Linda and to the entire family for their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Linda’s honor to your local humane society.

No formal funeral ceremonies are planned.

Norris Funeral Service, Chatham Chapel is respectfully serving the family. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com