Mrs. Doris Marie Dowell, 77, of Troy, VA, entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the University of Virginia Hospital. Born on December 7, 1946, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late James and Martha Morris, Doris lived a life full of love, dedication, and joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph “Ned” Dowell, Sr.; her brothers, Reginald (Gracie) Morris, Robert “Hugo” Morris, William Morris, Sirell Carey; and her grandson, Jovon Burruss.

Doris’s journey began in Charlottesville, where she graduated from Jackson P. Burley High School in 1965. Her career started at the Charlottesville Health Department, but it was in the City of Charlottesville school system that she found her true calling. As an educator for over 30 years, Doris touched countless lives with her tireless dedication and genuine love for her students. The fond memories shared by those who grew up with Ms. Doris are a lasting testament to her impact.

A devout member of Slate Hill Baptist Church in Scottsville, VA, Doris’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She cherished her family deeply, hosting regular Sunday dinners that became a beloved tradition. Doris’s adventurous spirit shone through in her love for casino trips and the joy she found in scratch tickets. At home, she could often be found enjoying a game show or a Western on TV, or savoring a quiet moment on her porch with coffee in one hand and a Winston 100 in the other.

Doris leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her sons, Joseph Dowell Jr., James (Katina) Dowell, and Joshua (Nitika) Dowell; her adopted daughter, Diane Winston; sister-in-laws, Delores Jackson, Patsy (Jonathan) Clark, and Ann Morris; and her grandchildren, Jamal Dowell, Devante (Candace) Dowell, James Dowell Jr., Makail (Chyna) Johnson, Jayden Dowell and Jamar Burruss. Her great-grandchildren, Jatavious and Julian Dowell, Marlee Napier, Zuri and Zhen Dowell, Kairee Johnson, Aaliyah and Aamya Burruss, and Jayla Curry, along with close friend Phyllis (Tata Bug) Rush and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends, will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Home.