Gloria Jean Dowds

Born on December 23, 1948, in Hannibal, Missouri, she was a daughter of Jean and Margaret (Fahle) Franklin. Gloria married Earl Dean Dowds in July 1972. They divorced in 1989. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2018. She was later engaged to Paul Heidecker in 1992 until he preceded her in November of 1994. Gloria was also preceded in death by her parents; one half daughter, Marina Dowds and one brother, Dennis Franklin.

She is survived by three sons, Michael Boyd (Brittany) Dowds of Pekin, Daniel Newell Dowds of Peoria and Randy Douglas (Ashley) Dowds of East Peoria; one adopted daughter, Connie Erdley of Peoria; three half daughters, Barbara Weidner of Salem, Tina Dowds of Springfield and Jennie Dowds of Salem; three half sons, Donald Eugene Dowds of Salem, Butch (Angie) Dowds of Marquette Heights and Joe Dowds of Peoria; one brother, Darrell (Karen) Franklin of Shelbyville; several grandchildren; great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Gloria was a member of the Creve Coeur Christian Church, where she volunteered for the food pantry and snack pack ministry. She also was a volunteer for the St Francis. She started working at the age of 15 as a Nurse’s Aide. She later worked customer service for Swiss Colony Trucking in Canada, and she worked 15 years doing taxes at H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty. Gloria also co-owned North Pekin Auto Repair & Towing for several years.

She was an Election Judge from 1974 to present. Gloria enjoyed playing bingo, cards, diamond painting, making pins, NASCAR, peeling apples, and helping with Toys for Tots for 34 years.

Cremation Rites have been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A celebration of life will be held on a later date.

Memorial contributions in honor of Gloria may be directed to the Creve Coeur Christian Church, 101 S. Thorncrest Ave., Creve Coeur, IL 61610 or Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.