Obituary Record

Mae King Tudury, one of Hancock County's most respected civic activists, died Tuesday in Bay St. Louis at the age of 93.

Mrs. Tudury was known for her participation in numerous civic groups, but especially for her work with the National Foundation of the March of Dimes.

She began working with MOD shortly after it was founded in the 1930's and the group honored her in 1973 with its first national award for longtime volunteer service.

Friends said that she was especially proud of her involvement with MOD "Career Awards", which helped 19 Hancock County students with their medical studies.

At least two of those scholarship recipients are now practicing medicine in Hancock County.

She worked for 16 years with the Bay St. Louis Parks and Playgrounds Committee, including 13 years as its chairman.

In this post, she advocated use of vacant lots in the city for playgrounds.

Nine vacant lots were eventually donated to the city for use as parks and playgrounds through her efforts.

That was her heart's work right there, along with the Little League, which she organized said David Treutel of Bay St. Louis, who worked with her on committees for both beautification and the Little League.

"She was a real trooper in civic work, and she was also a very good businesswoman," Treutel said.

In 1973, Mrs. Tudury was one of 18 Mississippi women named as "Beautiful Activists" for their civic endeavors.

Her other awards and activities included "Citizen of the Year" in 1958, charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary, board of directors of Coast Mental Health Association, worked for construction of Hancock General Hospital, Pink Lady with the Hospital Auxiliary, Hancock County Blood Bank, Cancer Crusade, Heart Fund, Red Cross, United Fund, Crippled Children Association and the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre.

Mrs. Tudary was a native of Mount Olive.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs., Dan M. (Dorothy) Russell Jr., Bay St. Louis; a son, T.A. Tudary Jr., Morgan City, La.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theo A. Tudury Sr., her parents, Lloyd and Minerva Higgins King, and a sister, Almedia Kern.

A 3:30 p.m. prayer service will be held at the Edmond Fahey Funeral Home Chapel in Bay St. Louis. Friends may call one hour before the service.

Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Bay St. Louis.

The family prefers donations to the Salvation Army.

Source: Sun Herald 1/25/1995