Marie Hughes McDowell

Marie Hughes McDowell was born in New Castle, Virginia on October 25, 1932. Her early family life included residence in several small Southwestern Virginia towns where she attended elementary schools. Later the family moved to Danville, Virginia where she attended and graduated from George Washington High School. Following high school graduation, Marie attended Averett College.

Marie met the love of her life, Cecil I. (Buddy) McDowell, Jr. in high school and they were married following his graduation from college on June 12, 1954.

Marie and Buddy lived in Haddonfield, New Jersey prior to moving to Richardson, Texas in 1959. They moved to Alpharetta, Georgia in 1989, where they continued to reside until moving to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, Georgia in 2011.

After her studies at Averett College, she worked in bookkeeping and as a teller at First National Bank in Danville, Virginia. After she and Buddy were married and moved to New Jersey, Marie continued her work in banking as a teller. During Buddy’s military service, she worked some in civil service administration. While living in New Jersey, Marie and Buddy were blessed with their first child. Upon beginning a family, she became a full time stay at home “Mom”. Their second child was born in Texas. After both children were in school, she first volunteered to help in the Richardson School District and was subsequently employed by the Richardson Independent School District Texas (Prairie Creek Elementary School) as a teaching assistant where she worked with hearing impaired children and managed the media center. She retired in 1989 when she and Buddy moved to Alpharetta, Georgia.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 64 years; two children Jane McDowell Keegan of Denver, Colorado and John H. McDowell of Olathe, Kansas and their spouses Ed Keegan II and Marla P. McDowell. She is also survived by two sisters Peggy Lewis and Nancy Robertson of Danville, Virginia. Her brother Charles Hughes is deceased.

Outside the family interest, Marie enjoyed all kinds of card games, bingo and other social games along with some travel and cruises. Other activities or hobbies included sewing, needle work, and various crafts. She is a lifetime member of the Richardson Order of Eastern Star, board member of Rainbow Girls, and was an active participant in the Windward Organization of Women. She and Buddy attended North Point Community Church.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.