Thelma E. Dowdy

Thelma was a home-grown Alabama girl. She was born during the great depression so she knew how to stretch a dollar. After high school graduation, she fell in love with a US Airman & started a 20+ year life as a military wife. She traveled all over the world. She finally retired in the home state of Alabama. Ms. Thelma then started a career as a bookkeeper for the Alabama Board of Education where she enjoyed her time servicing her community and getting to know her coworkers for 20 years. She also worked for the State of Alabama by assisting with the Alabama National Fair yearly in organization for competition and community donation events.

In her final stages of life she moved into John Knox Manor and found her second home & family. She had many friends and loved all the residents & staff. Everyone was so good to her, "Our family was blessed to discover this place."

Thelma E. Dowdy found Jesus while there at John Knox Manor and went to Sunday school & read her bible diligently. This is the blessing that carried her through the difficult times. Because of this blessing we can stop our tears & have a celebration of her life. She’s now in the arms of Jesus. So we don’t have to say goodbye—we can say see you later!

Thelma's family deeply expresses her spirit as having been extremely generous, loving, compassionate, and empathetic to everyone and anyone that she encountered in her journey of life. The glow of love and genuineness that Thelma leaves behind will forever be cherished in their hearts.

Thelma E. Dowdy is survived by her daughters, Gerry Britton (Lance) and Teresa White; grandchildren, Jonathan Ellis, Traci Evans, Jarrett White, Jamie White, Stephanie Britton; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, George Dowdy; her parents, Macon Ellis & Ella Ellis; and siblings, Charles Ellis, Chester Ellis, Thurman Ellis, Joel Ellis, Gerald Ellis, Genevieve Ellis Cochran.

A visitation for Ms. Thelma will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:00 PM.