Demita Joanne (Barnes) Dudley

Demita Joanne (Barnes) Dudley
November 1, 1961 - March 24, 2026

Demita Joanne Dudley, 64, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in her home in Merrillville, Indiana. Born as Demita Joanne Barnes on November 1, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, she was the daughter of Mary (Pollard) Barnes and Curtis Barnes. Growing up as the oldest of four, she was known to be overly protective of her sisters, Pamela Varnado and Felicia "Nicky" Botley, while also being a great big sister to her brother, Darren Barnes. Joanne graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1980. Following high school, she earned her Cosmetology degree from Odessa College of Beauty Culture, leading her to serve numerous women throughout the Region. She worked at Mr. Myles Beauty Salon, Studio One, and owned her own studios, JoAnn's Salon D'Elegance and Cousins. In 1981, Joanne had one son, Demetrius Jarrod Clark, that she truly loved and cherished. In 2011, Joanne decided to return to college, earning her bachelor's degree in general studies from Indiana University Northwest in 2015. After graduating from IUN, she began working at Servita Home Health Care and Mentor Management, where her clients were quite fond of her because she went above and beyond for them.
Joanne is survived by her son, Demetrius Clark (Carrie Ingram), her mother, Mary (Pollard) Barnes, two sisters, Pamela (Jeff) Vanardo and Felicia "Nicky" (Ed) Botley, one brother, Darren Barnes, three nieces, Trina (Stefon) Williams, Brooke Botley, and Jordan Barnes, one nephew, Jeffery Vanardo, one aunt, Georgia Boyd, and one god daughter, Leona Wheeler. She is also survived by numerous cousins. Joanne was preceded in death by her father, Curtis Barnes. Visitation will be held at McDuffie Funeral Home, 1525 Broadway, Gary, IN, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Additional visitation hours will be held at Greater Grace Church, 7727 E Massachusetts St, Merrillville, IN, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, with the funeral beginning at 11:00 AM. JoAnn will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, 3815 W 39th Avenue, Hobart, IN following the funeral service. A repass will also be held at Chateau Banquet, 5030 W 61st Avenue, Merrillville, IN. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected]