Shirley Ruth Smith McDowell

Shirley McDowell died Wednesday, July 16, at her home near Elon. A resident of Guilford County since 1964, she was born on June 16, 1936, in Elberton, GA, to the late John C. and Thelma Bell Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter R. “Bodie” McDowell, her oldest daughter Lynn McDowell Umstead (Allan), and five of her six siblings.

Shirley was an instructor at the Guilford County Sheltered Workshop for 28 years. She and Bodie worked and raised their family in Greensboro before retiring to the Elon area where they enjoyed hosting family gatherings at every opportunity. Shirley was a talented and loving homemaker who was admired for her quiet but keen sense of humor and gentle demeanor.

Shirley is survived by her children Karen McDowell (James Smith) of Gibsonville, Cheryl Lewis (David) of Elon, Mark McDowell (Lisa) of New London, and Lisa Snuggs (Henry) of Albemarle; grandchildren Nathan Umstead (Kelly), Jessica Trotman (Bart), Jennifer Davis, Matthew Mebane (Kimberly), Daniel Mebane (Beth), Nicholas Mebane (Ali), Logan McDowell, Jared McDowell, Joshua Bodie McDowell; great-grandchildren Ivan, Quincy, Elsa, Ira, Sid, Elliot, Cade, Ramona, and Gabe; and great-great grandson Izzak; a sister Elaine Clinkscales of Greenwood, S.C., and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 19, at 12 noon, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro. Though Shirley loved flowers and plants, the family requests that you make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse instead if you are so inclined Hurricane Helene