Frances was born October 6, 1929, in Troutdale, Virginia to the late Lucy Reedy Brown and James F. Brown. Frances was a longtime member of Blountville Christian Church and the Ruth Circle. She was known for wearing a hat every Sunday morning, and on the Sunday closest to her birthday, most of the ladies and some of the men in the church would wear hats in her honor. She loved cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, bird watching, and listening to Gospel and Bluegrass music. Frances and her husband were regulars at the Carter Fold for many years. Later in life, she enjoyed Friday morning rehearsals and breakfast with Kathy Houser and Wayne Feathers.
In addition to her mother and father, Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Herbert R. Dowell; brothers, Gary Brown, Carl Brown, and David Brown; sisters, Greta Joanne Brown, Zelda Cherwaty, and Shirley Stribling.
Survivors include her son, Douglas R. (Cindy)Dowell; daughters, Pamela (Gary) Hebert, and Brenda Dowell; sisters, Lucille Crothers Powell and Phyllis Taylor Smith; brothers, Stanley (Wanda) Brown and Ronald J. Brown; grandchildren, Dean (Amy) Noles, Dale (Jennifer) Noles, Bradley (Margaret) Hebert, Clayton (Amber) Dowell, and Laura Brobst; 11 great-grandchildren, including Elliana and Gage who lovingly referred to her as Gigi. Frances is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12:00 P.M. until 1:15 P.M. at Blountville Christian Church, 1680 Blountville Boulevard, Blountville, Tennessee, 37617. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the church with Pastor Justin Daniel, Wayne Feathers, Inez Burton, and David Jones officiating. Interment will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Brad Hebert, Clayton Dowell, Gary Dowell, Ryan Gebhardt, Craig Gebhardt, Randy Belcher, and Matthew Wood will serve as pallbearers.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Frances’ honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Blountville Christian Church Ruth Circle.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Frances Dowell.
