Imogene (Jean) Camp McDowell, age 92, left this life peacefully while resting in her chair, surrounded by family and friends, to greet her Lord Jesus in heaven, and those who went before her, after a lengthy illness on May 9, 2020. She was born in Birmingham, AL, and grew up in the Ensley and Bagley area. She graduated from Corner High School in 1945 and worked for South Central Bell until 1961. She married Francis (Mac) McDowell January 18, 1947 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage, until his death in 2008. She and Mac first lived in West End, then settled in Homewood. She joined Oakmont Methodist Church (now Trinity UMC) in 1958 and held many offices through the years and is remembered by many children as their Sunday School teacher or Sunday School Director. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, and led many bake sales. In fact, she was probably best known for her cooking in the kitchen at Oakmont. She shared leadership in the Bereavement Ministry with her dear friend, Billie Brechin. She was also very crafty and enjoyed sewing and quilting. Jean was a very giving person, if someone needed something, she took care of the need as soon as it was known to her. She also supported Urban Ministry through her gifts of food and canned vegetables from her garden. Jean was very involved as a Lioness in West Hills Lions Club with her husband, Mac. Her work, often behind the scenes, enhanced the lives of so many. She was an avid bridge player and played often with many groups through the years. She was active as a room mother when her children were in school and went on many school trips, including going to Washington D.C. with both of her children’s groups. After the death of her husband, Jean and Susan moved together to Helena. She loved flowers and vegetable gardening, canning, freezing and processing huge amounts of vegetables through 2015. From the moment Jean became a grandmother, she loved taking extended trips to Virginia to be with her grandkids. At the age of 87, she took her first trip overseas to Ireland with her sister and her two daughters. We fully believe on her entry to heaven, God said, “well done, good and faithful servant!”
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Francis (Mac) McDowell, her son-in-law Walter Calvin, and her grandson Russ Calvin. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.L. Camp, Annie Lee Nolen and Etha Gilley; brothers Andy, H.R. and Nolen Camp; sisters Lillie Brewer, Mary Lee Whitley and Frankie Davis. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Barker(David) and Susan Calvin(Mike Johnson); grandchildren Laura Barker, Kevin Barker and Joel Calvin(Kristie); great-grandchildren Dylan Calvin and Ryan Calvin; brother Gary Camp(Joan); sisters Ginny McDowell and Grace Brakefield; numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her precious Gracie and loving grand-dogs Abigail and Lily of the Valley, and great grand-dog Bowser. We also would like to thank her special caregivers, DeDe Jordan, KeKe Gibson, and De Brookins.
She was interred May 16 at Elmwood Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Tom Parrish. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date due to COVID virus restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity UMC, Food Pantry, 1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209; Urban Ministry, 1229 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211, or charity of your choice.
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