She was an aunt to novelist Truman Capote (his mother, Lillie Mae Faulk, was her elder sister).
Rudisill helped to raise Capote, who lived with her at times during his childhood, both in Alabama and New York City.
Rudisill authored eight books, including Fruitcake: Memories of Truman Capote & Sook.
Rudisill's book Fruitcake (published by Hill Street Press) led to her being invited to be a guest on The Tonight Show on December 14, 2000.
This led to her being named the Fruitcake Lady and to several more appearances on The Tonight Show, in which she instructed host Jay Leno and other guests in the preparation of various baked desserts.