Katharyn Winters Dowdle

A Tuscaloosa County High School and Druid City School of Nursing graduate, she practiced nursing for 55 years and became very active in nursing politics. The only Alabama nurse to hold the position, she served as a national representative in the American Nurses Association on the Economic and General Welfare Commission. She was an active member of the Alabama State Nurse’s Association where she was asked to attend many innovative committees at the state and local levels. She worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center for 32 years where she was always focused on supporting her community. She coordinated large efforts such as the Sugar Chase 5K Fun Run to raise funds for Toys for Tots, and orchestrated health fairs for the Hispanic community within her church. She also served as President of the Tuscaloosa VA’s nursing union for 20 years. After retiring from the VA, she worked for Forest Manor Nursing Home as the Psychiatric Nurse, a liaison between the psychiatrist and residents for over 19 years.

She owned and operated Alabama Education Enterprises, which provided continuing education for local nurses and worked as an Assistant Professor at Jacksonville State University. She also served in her community as a board member of the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department. Katharyn was always generous and assisted anyone who needed help in nursing, occupationally or scholastically. She was loved by her friends and family and highly respected by the physicians, colleagues she worked with and the residents and Veterans she served.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Thomas Dowdle Sr.; her son, Thomas Dowdle, Jr. (Lauren), two daughters, Lisa Koontz (David) and Kay Roberts (Steve); her sister, Sandra Wilde (Bill); her nephew, Chris Forshee; her niece, Beth Haynes (Van); her nine grandchildren, Michael Lary (Jessica), Kaylyn Bertrand (Austin), Matthew Lary (Madison), Jake Koontz, Ashlynn Koontz, Jonathan Koontz, Sierra Grace Koontz, Monroe Dowdle, Tucker Dowdle; and great-granddaughter Raeleigh-Grace Lary.

In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations in her honor be made to the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, February 17th at Five Points Baptist Church starting at 12:00 P.M. with service following at 1:30 PM with Reverend Larry Morrison officiating. The burial will take place at Memory Hill Gardens immediately following the service.