Vashtie Margie Dowdy

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, KJV‬‬

Vashtie Margie Dowdy was born on July 2, 1936 to Robert Buchanan and Catherine Buchanan in McGehee Arkansas.

She is the eldest of four siblings born to this union. Vashtie was raised in a christian environment by her Father and Mother, in which she accept Jesus at an early age and united at Issac Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she participated in the various ministries of the Church.

The Children were taught the importance of education, Vashtie was educated in the public school system in the state of Arkansas where she graduated from McGehee High School.

In 1955 Missionary Dowdy met and married the love of her life , Ernest Dowdy Sr., and later that same year as a young adventurous couple , pondering over their dreams for the future decided to journey to Richmond California; where Vashtie Dowdy continued her work in the medical field where she had been trained by her Grandmother a state certified Midwife. In 1961 the family would moved to San Bernardino California where they would purchase a home near a church known as the Church Of The Living God, and after attending for approximately one year she united with the Church. Vashtie being a natural born leader began working in the following ministries, Deaconess, Usher/Nurse Guild President, Mission Vice President , Sunday School Teacher, Youth Sponsor , Essay instructor, Pastor Aide President, Kitchen Coordinator and a number of other miscellaneous tasks. She was truly an asset to the leadership of The Church Of The Living God.

Missionary Dowdy was a powerful prayer warrior! She believed in the power of prayer , the family and friends saw many miracles from her prayers. She had the God kind of faith, believing as stated in Ephesians 3:20, that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us . She trusted God and never doubted.

By 1966, the union had four children , three boys and one beautiful girl. Once again the family moved seeking a larger home for the growing family; Ernest Dowdy Sr.,soon found the ideal home located on the west end of San Bernardino. Mother Dowdy after only working part time for many years in order to provide sufficient time to raise the children. Later time permitted her the opportunity to enter the labor force full time where she worked as an Attendance Clerk and Instructional Aide for the San Bernardino Unified School District. In addition ensuring that her children were thriving in school she enrolled and graduated from San Bernardino Valley College and begin working for the City Of San Bernardino as a lead supervisor and retired after 30 years of service where she received a number of award. In 2015 she was honored at the Powerful Pray Wive’s Conference.

Vashtie , Madear, Mudd, as she was affectionately known enjoyed praying, counseling and supporting others in their many endeavors , sewing, traveling , encouraging neighbors and guiding her grand and great grandchildren, fishing with her husband and serving at The Church of The Living God.

She will be gravely missed by her family, church ,neighbors and community. She celebrated her 69th Anniversary on June 10th, 2024 and her 88th Birthday on July 2, 2024.

Vashtie was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Catherine Buchanan, Sister Ora Lee Cox, Brother Ozell Buchanan, Grandson Billy Joe Dowdy Jr.

She leaves to cherish many precious memories ; her Husband Ernest Dowdy Sr. ; Brother Bobby Lee Buchanan(Jessie) Chicago; Three sons; Dennis Lavern Dowdy(Gloria) Highland CA., Dr. Ernest Byron Dowdy Jr. (LaShon)San Bernardino; Billy Joe Dowdy(Brenda) Highland CA.; One Daughter Dr. Gwendolyn Lorraine Dowdy-Rodgers (Dr. Arlington) San Bernardino CA., 14 Grandchildren, 12 Great-grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews and friends.

“ God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer