09/01/2025
Sue (Howell) Dowdell
November 6, 1933 ~ August 31, 2025
Sue Howell Dowdell, 91, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away on August 31, 2025, after a brief illness, at Helen Keller Hospital in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
Born on November 6, 1933, in Henderson, Tennessee, Sue was the beloved daughter of Albert Connie and Ouita Howell. She graduated from Jackson High School and went on to dedicate her life to God, James B. Dowdell, Sr. her husband of 57 years, and her extensive family consisting of six children, eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Sue was known for her angelic disposition, wisdom in all matters of life, and unwavering faith in the Lord. She was dedicated to Christian service and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia for over sixty years.
Sue is survived by her brothers, Charles Vann Howell and Bobby Joe Howell, and her children; Deborah Susan Gardner, Ben (spouse), Katherine Gifford (grandchild), Eric (spouse), Daniel and Kylie Ruth (great-grandchildren), James B. Dowdell, Jr., Deborah (spouse), Tiffany Smart (grandchild), Scott (spouse), Tyler, Emma Drue and Ryan (great-grandchildren), Jamie Cargile (grandchild), Derrick (spouse), Mallory (great-grandchild), Christina Denton (grandchild), Eric (spouse), Parker and Kaylee (great-grandchildren), and Nella (great-great-grandchild), Donna Diane Dowdell, Douglas Leigh Dowdell, Sondra (spouse), Darby (grandchild), Charles Daniel V (great-grandchild), Connor Ellis (grandchild), Benjamin (spouse), David Wayne Dowdell, Regina (spouse), Mary Elizabeth Gilbreth (grandchild), Ben (spouse), David and Issac (great-grandchildren), Chelsea Williamson (grandchild), Joel (spouse), Jonas (great-grandchild), Anna Williams (grandchild), Kyle (spouse), Bonnie (great-grandchild), Lillian McDougal, James (spouse), Kimberly Dowdell Hauck, Brandon (spouse), Cooper (grandchild), and preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ouita Howell, James Howell (brother), and husband James B. Dowdell.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 3rd with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow in the Chapel, 700 Highway 43 South, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 with Dennis Conner will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens. There will be no graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to: First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia, Alabama. Mailing Address: FBC 203 N. Dickson St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674.