Wilma Wright Dowell, a resident of McKinney, Texas, passed away on March 4, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on September 2, 1930, to William Henry and Viola Jackson Wright in Waurika, Oklahoma.
Wilma's pursuit of knowledge led her to earn her bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, a testament to her lifelong dedication to learning and personal growth. On August 29, 1950, she embarked on a lifelong journey of love and partnership when she married Royce Dowell in Ringling, Oklahoma. Together, they shared over seven decades of cherished memories, overcoming life's challenges hand in hand.
Wilma's professional life was marked by a passion for music and a commitment to enriching the lives of children. For 20 years, she served as the Children's Music Specialist at First Baptist Richardson in Richardson, Texas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of countless young learners. Her talent and dedication extended beyond that of a single institution, as she also served as the Metro Children's Music Coordinator, furthering her impact in nurturing young hearts through the universal language of music.
Later in life, Wilma found comfort and community as a devoted member of First Baptist Church McKinney, where her faith flourished alongside her deep sense of belonging.
While Wilma's professional accomplishments were remarkable, her greatest joy and fulfillment came from her role as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her home was a haven of warmth and love, where laughter and affection abounded. Wilma's kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving a lasting legacy of love and compassion.
In celebrating Wilma's life, we honor her legacy of faith, love, and service to others. Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.
Wilma is survived by her beloved husband, Royce Dowell of McKinney, Texas; son, Barry Dowell, also of McKinney, Texas, grandson, Jeremy Dowell of Dallas, Texas, granddaughter, Tiffany Dowell of Midland, Texas; daughter Delaney Dowell of Sherman, Texas; grandsons, Taylor Womack of Dayton, Texas; and Garrett Womack and wife, Ashton and their daughters, Addi, Teagan, and Landry of Whitesboro, Texas; granddaughter, Morganne Womack of Frisco, Texas; nephew, John Ledbetter and wife, Lexie of Coppell, Texas; niece, Julie Casey and husband, Terry of Parker, Texas; nephew, Ronnie Wright and wife, Nancy of Temple, Texas; niece, Maureda Travis and husband, Al of Fort Worth, Texas; nephew, Larry Wright and wife, Nancy of Durant, Oklahoma; niece, Janet Womble of Mead, Oklahoma; niece, Sherry Morgan and husband, Jerry of DeLeon, Texas; niece, JoAnn Tucker of Hewitt, Texas; niece, Melony Fant and husband, John of Dallas, Texas; and a host of other loving family members and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Reda Faye, Melba and JoAnn; two brothers, RV and Elmer; and nephews, Chris Dowell and Mart Hanna.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024 at First McKinney Baptist Church Chapel, 1615 Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. The service will be livestreamed by the church on the following link: First McKinney Baptist – Wilma Dowell Service. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas for a committal service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.