Ernest Yessene Dowell

Ernest Yessene Dowell, affectionately known to family and friends as "Yea," a proud veteran and pillar of his community, passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Jane, and devoted son, Donald.Born on December 14, 1936, in Premier, West Virginia, to Jenous Dowell Sr. and Florence

M. King, Yea was one of four brothers: Jenous Dowell Jr. (Patricia), Adrian Dowell, and Mario Dowell.Yea accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the family church in West Virginia.During his youth, he relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he completed his education through the Cleveland Public School System. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces.After returning home, Yea worked for White Motors and later pursued a barber's license from Erma Lee's Beauty School. He began his career as a barber at the Tropicana Barbershop.In the late 1980s, Yea opened his own barbershop—

Mr. Yea's Omni Family Hair Care-which became a cornerstone of the East Cleveland community. Known for his wisdom and mentorship, he guided many young people, including two special individuals, Edith Beard and Ronald Brown, who became like family. Yea was a man of many talents and passions. He could often be found at the flea market on Sundays and Wednesdays, selling a variety of items. He enjoyed fishing on the lake and hunting in the winters with his brothers-in-law in Muncie, Indiana. In his later years, he took pride in repairing and selling bicycles. His favorite holiday was Christmas, and one of his most cherished traditions was taking his family out to cut down their Christmas tree. Though he wasn't a man of many words, Yea expressed his love through meaningful actions and was regarded as the favorite cousin and uncle by many.

Yea was a devoted husband to Jane Montgomery-Dowell for 49 years. He was a cherished father to Donald McLloyd (Percy), Yessene McQueen, and Jenica Dowell, and a beloved grandfather to Kendale McQueen, Arianna McQueen, and Ximen Morgan. He leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity.He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence M. King and Jenous Dowell Sr.; his brother, Jenous "June Bug" Dowell; his nephews, Anthony Sr. and Jenous Dowell III; and his beloved son, Yessene D. McQueen.His memory will be forever cherished by his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, families, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.