Martha Elizabeth McDowell

Martha Elizabeth McDowell passed away at her home with her family beside her on Saturday, February 22, 2014. She was born September 22, 1925 in Colquitt, Georgia.

Mom worked for Byrne and Benesch Law Firm for over 43 years. She was a member of First Christian Church for over 50 years where she has served as Mission Board Treasurer for forty years where she oversaw the bookkeeping and payroll for foreign missionaries serving abroad.

Mom is survived by children, Doug McDowell, Gail Klidy (Jim Klidy), Joel McDowell, David McDowell, Cheryl Taylor and Gloria McDowell; grandchildren Stephanie McDowell, Wes McDowell (Bri), Brett McDowell (Korina), Erin Taylor and McKenzie Taylor; great-grandchildren, Sean Batt, Logan McDowell, Dane McDowell and Daniel Carlucci. In addition to having a large family, Mom's loving heart drew many to her and she ended up with extensions of her family which included add on sons, daughters, and numerous grandchildren. One of the "adopted sons" that remained special to her is her nephew Al Olivent.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband Gordon McDowell; her parents, Joel and Dice Williams; sister Dorothy Olivent; her brother Louis Williams and son-in-law, R. Stu Park.

Pallbearers will be Doug McDowell, Joel McDowell, David McDowell, Wes McDowell, Brett McDowell and Jim Klidy. Honorary Pallbearers are Sean Batt, Logan McDowell, Dane McDowell, Al Olivent, Chris Long, Wayne Benesch, Tom Mullins and JB Schrader.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to noon on February 28, 2014 at Johnson Mortuary. A private burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday March 1, 2014 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church, 3261 S. Avenue 6E in Yuma, Arizona. In lieu of flowers the family request donations can be made to the Mission Program at First Christian Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.