Mrs. Lelia Evelyn McDowel

Lelia Evelyn McDowel was born on April 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Terrence Berry Waller Jr. and Fannie Mae Waller. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brothers, Terrence Berry Waller III and Cecil Waller, son, Charles McDowel Jr., daughter, Lia McDowel Barnett, grandson, Brandon McDowel-Fauntleroy and great-grandson, Tevin McCray. Lelia, affectionately known as Evelyn, was married to Charles McDowel, whom she adored, on May 2, 1975. One of their favorite pastimes was playing dominoes together. They were also avid bowlers during the prime years of their lives, often traveling out of state to bowl and winning many trophies over the years, with her winning more, as Charles would often admit. Lelia worked as an insurance analyst at Old American Insurance Company and retired in September 1997. After retirement, she found pleasure in working in home health care for a while. Lelia was a woman of class, value, kindness, grace, and self-respect. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ and enjoyed taking her grandchildren to vacation Bible school and cherished family visits on family day. Lelia was actively involved in mission work at her church. She loved the Lord and God's people and attended services as long as her health permitted. When she could no longer attend in person, she enjoyed watching the service live stream. Lelia leaves to cherish her memory her husband Charles; her children, Laurice (Winfred) Sanders, Twyla (David) McDowel-Fauntleroy, Michael (Lavette) Waller, and Darrell (Loretta) Waller; her grandchildren, LaTosha (Tyler) McCray Sr., Gregory Ashby, Dominique Waller, Charles McDowell III, Chasnye Morris, and Adiah Fauntleroy; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Albert (Theresa) Williamson Sr., Leota Williamson, and Anthony Williamson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and cousins who lovingly referred to her as their "first black beautiful Barbie," also survive her. Lelia departed this life on Thursday, March 6,2025 at Saint Luke’s Hospice House. She was a dear friend to many and left behind a legacy of love, grace, and strength. We appreciate all who came to celebrate her life and home-going. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. Interment: XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation Friday 10-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website

Mrs. Lelia Evelyn McDowel

April 22, 1945 - March 6, 2025