Dudley A Dedrick

Dudley Athelston Dedrick was born to Randolph Dedrick and Louise Christie on November 5, 1919 in St. Ann's , Jamaica, West Indies. Dudley was one of nine children; Louis, Herbert, Leo, Rosa, Ivy, Gladys, Nellie and Enith. As a child growing up in the country he helped his father grow coffee and tan leather. As a young man he worked with his sister Gladys in Kingston Dudley's first experiences with the United States were working with fellow Jamaicans on farms in Ohio. Despite the hardships of being in a foreign land, being unfamiliar with American culture and being unaccustomed to the harsh Northern climate he toiled tirelessly to send money home to family in Jamaica. After several of these temporary work experiences Dudley finally immigrated to the United States in the 1930's. He and his cousin Marlene opened a Laundromat in the Bronx. He took great pride in becoming well versed in all the requirements needed to obtain his citizenship but he never forgot his roots. He became acquainted with a thriving Jamaican community in Harlem, New York in the 1940's. Through a mutual friend he met his future wife, fellow Jamaican, Perlene McLymont. They were married in 1955. They purchased a home in East Elmhurst, New York which became the hub of many family gatherings throughout the years. This residence also became a home to many family members whom Dudley and Pearl sponsored so that they too could prosper and achieve success in a new land. The couple had a son, Dudley Jr. in 1957. A daughter, Lorianne was born to them in 1964. Dudley worked for the New York City Housing Authority as an Elevator Repairman until his retirement in the 1980's. Upon the urging of his sister-in-law Adrienne Ferrin, Dudley & Perlene moved to Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Poppy delighted in spending time manicuring his lush garden. Having come from the rich, fertile region of Jamaica known as the "Garden Parish", one could see that Dudley sought to recreate the beauty he experienced in childhood in his tropical retirement home. Dudley enjoyed membership in an active retirement group affectionately known as "SCRATCH". These weekly gatherings focused on a favorite Caribbean pastime; dominos. He also became a member of CAFCI, a Caribbean group. Dudley suffered the loss of his soul mate, Pearl in 1997. Since then he opened his home to his son-in-law Dennis and daughter Lorianne. Dudley enjoyed loving relationships with his grandchildren; Jacqueline, Kimlyn, Marc, Daniel, Joshua and Noah. Dudley was also blessed to be cared for by Phillip (Tony) Morgan for the past six years. He was loved dearly by countless relatives and friends. He will be missed by all who were touched by his fun-loving, selfless nature.