Dolly was born April 24, 1934, in West Bay, Florida to James Abner (Ab) and Mary Esther (McCarthy) Buchanan. Though she travelled widely and lived in many places throughout her life, Dolly had wonderful memories of her childhood growing up in Northwest Florida with her brothers, sisters, and many cousins and friends. She was a devoted and supportive Navy wife and mother, singularly managing the household and keeping up with four active children during frequent deployments.
Dolly was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church and a Past Worthy Matron of The Order of The Eastern Star in Cantonment, Florida and served as a State Representative for the Grand Chapter of the Florida Order of The Eastern Star. She and her late husband Ken were avid Florida State Seminole Football fans.
Dolly was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Kenneth A. Dowdy, as well as by her parents; her brothers, Lafayette Buchanan and C.H. Buchanan; and two sisters, Frances Evans and Farris Simmons.
In addition to loving her sweet treats and her beloved dog, Missy, Dolly’s passion was her family. Dolly is survived by her three daughters, Donna Gill, Mary Ramsey (Joey), Patty Bitar (Ken); a son, Billy Dowdy (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Jennifer Carr (Forrest), Charlie Gill, Nicholas Ramsey (Amanda), Daniel Dowdy (Christin), Lara Henry (Nate), Luke Newman, Kenny Bitar (Maura) and Kevin Bitar; three great grandchildren, Connor Dowdy, Lakelyn Henry and Lincoln Henry; and a sister, Margie Pate (Dex). Dolly is also survived by many loving family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A short reception will follow at the funeral home.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday afternoon following the Celebration of Life at Albert G. Horton Jr., Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, Virginia.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers who have assisted with Dolly’s care during the past three years. Our sincere appreciation for the love, care and comfort that Dolly was given.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.
