Shirley Lynne Thomas McDowell, 58, a lifelong resident of Florence, passed away April 17, 2018 at E.C.M. Hospital. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church of Florence; attended Forest Hills School, Bradshaw High School, and was a graduate of the University of North Alabama with honors including the Keller Key. Her degree was in Early Childhood Education. Shirley loved teaching children in Kindergarten. She also worked many years as a sales associate at McRae’s and Dillard’s department stores. She loved gospel music and the Lord Jesus. Her sweet spirit will be missed by all who loved her.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Brother Chris Underwood officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
Mrs. McDowell was preceded in death by her parents, Carless and Marie Thomas; brother, Sammy L. Thomas; a sister, Patsy Newman; and nieces, Rebecca Chestnut, and Martha Holladay.
She is survived by her husband, James R. McDowell; sister, Peggy T. Chestnut (Ray); a brother-in-law, Gene Newman; and a nephew, Adam Thomas (son of Sammy) and his wife Laura.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Flower arrangements will be welcome, but also welcome will be donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in her name.
