- Date Of Death: September 23, 2017
- State: Alabama
Bessie Juanita Cowden McDowell, 86, died peacefully on Saturday, September 23rd surrounded by family and caregivers at her home in Birmingham, Alabama.
Born on November 6, 1930 to Porter Guthrie Cowden and Marion Irene McCurry Cowden, Mrs. McDowell enjoyed her childhood on her family’s dairy farm with her late brother Porter Guthrie Cowden Jr., and late sisters Marion Estelle Cowden Vann and Anna Margaret Cowden Bee. Mrs. McDowell attended Phillips High School, where she played in the school band and held the title of junior drum majorette. She later attended Howard College (Samford University). Mrs. McDowell enjoyed taking dance and voice lessons and loved to play the piano while her father sang along.
Mrs. McDowell married her late husband, Mark Atkinson McDowell Sr. following his service in the United States Army in 1950. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell started a family in Birmingham where Mrs. McDowell became a mother to three children, Mark A. McDowell, Jr., Pamela Jill McDowell Battles (Craig), and Mona Joy McDowell Robbins. In addition to being a full-time mother, Mrs. McDowell was employed by the Tarrant Board of Education for 25 years as a secretary in the superintendent’s office.
A lifelong Methodist, Mrs. McDowell faithfully attended Tarrant First United Methodist and later Taylor Memorial Methodist Church. There she participated in church activities including The Golden Girls and the Taylor Sunday School. Outside of church, Mrs. McDowell participated in activities at the Clay Senior Center and the Red Hatters.
In addition to Mrs. McDowell’s three children, other survivors include: grandchildren, Jennifer Marie McDowell Day, Mark Atkinson (Trae) McDowell III, Matthew Craig Battles, Meredith Leslie Battles Mejia (Geraldi); William Anthony Robbins, and Mark Andrew Robbins; great-grandchildren, Lauren Elise Day, Madalyn Grace Day, Caleb Harrison Day, Katielynn Nicole McDowell, Abigail Brooke McDowell, Isabella Marie McDowell, Reece Peyton Battles, Trace Dean Battles, Kristanna McKinnley Battles, Maylee Sofia Mejia, and Max Liam Mejia.
The family would like to thank the following for their care and support of Mrs. McDowell: Barbara, Kim, Christine, Pastor David and Pastor Keith of Oasis Hospice; Brian Nunley of The HomeCare Connection, and caregivers Sherry, Linda, and Keeshan. The family also wishes to thank family and friends for their prayers and comfort.
Mrs.
